SF Chefs spanned three days, August 5-7, and looked like it landed from somewhere in outer space, onto Union Square (notice how the tent is “punctured” by the Dewey Monument pole in the photo below). I went on Sunday around 1pm and the sides of the ginormous tent were lined with 25 chefs’ booths. We somehow found ourselves there for several hours, although half the time was spent trying to navigate through the cramped quarters.

This sign set the tone:

And the centerpiece of the event was super classy.

There was a lot going on and I felt like I was in Vegas. Corporate sponsors, local TV networks and strappy sandals finally had a reason to come out of their shells on a Sunday.

Besides being overwhelmed with the choices and hordes of people, I was overcome with a sense of stress watching all the people working the event who had to cater to all of the strappy sandals, and myself.

I had a great view of the backs of many of the chefs who seemed to be racing to an unforeseeable finish line.

Campton Place Restaurant, Chef Srijith Gopinathan

Frances, Chef Melissa Perillo and her team.

But Chef Ravi Kapur of Prospect struck a pose for me:

Who’s this dude with a hachimaki?

Neyah White, Yamazaki Whisky Ambassador

Finding time to concentrate in the hubub seemed impossible, so it was impressive to see some chefs having a chance to focus.

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar

Munch

The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Vin Antico

I was very stressed out watching all the food, drink and disposable wares that were being thrown away improperly, abandoned and carelessly handled:

I hope this guy handling the “compost, landfill and recycling” (which proved to be a very difficult concept for people) got a lot of free beer after the madness.

As we say in Japanese to people after a hard days’ work, “Ostukaresamadeshita!” Thanks for opening your doors to all the strappy sandals, and a lil ol’ Umamimart scrub like me.

Yoko and I have decided to make 15 Romolo UM’s official clubhouse in the Bay Area. We’ll be there on Tuesday 3/30 at 6pm, and think you should meet us there. Pencil it in, please!

We have a wee obsession with this bar. It’s spacious, unpretentious, they’ve got a great juke, and unique cocktail list. Most importantly, they are recession-friendly, with a kickass happy hour menu from 5-7:30pm. Yoko loves their sliders, and I love their Brooklyn cocktail (a clever use of Crown and Picon Club).

Downside is that it’s in North Beach and the parking is just awful. But suck it up and come hang with me and Yoko! We’ll get tipsy and dance a little, then maybe go to Tony’s for a pizza margherita nightcap.

I’m organizing this in lieu of an Umamiventure this month– I’m so sorry, March just flew by! But I’m planning a totally VIP event for April, so stay tuned for that.

Until then, hope to see you on Tuesday 3/30! As usual, RSVP on the FB Fan Page, and bring all your friends/lovers/fighters.

Dear SFers,

Yoko (Tokyo JUNKtion), CJ (Tap This) and I (UM Event Planner) will be at Magnolia Pub on Monday at 7pm to celebrate the relaunch over beers.

But not just any beers. We’re talking STRONG BEERS. That’s right, it’s that time of year again in San Francisco: STRONG BEER MONTH. We went last year for Umamiventure #14!

So meet us at the bar for one (or several) beers that are over 10% ABV. Heck yah! CJ says that the beers this year are awesome (of course he’s already been).

It’s a Monday night, so hopefully it will slower at the bar. I don’t know about you, but I’m having the burger.

We can go to Aub Zam Zam down the street for a nightcap too!

Hope to see you! RSVP on the FB event page. As usual, bring your peeps!