Recently discovered to be trending in New York, as reported by the Brooklyn Daily, is the increasing amount of caffeine-related (but not necessarily caffeinated) products being sold to rug rats. Dubbed the “babycinno,” an imported fad from Australia, the little tykes are drinking up steamed milk, gourmet hot chocolates, decaf lattes, and the like at an increasingly alarming rate to some baristas, who claim it’s “wasteful” and can be served “at dangerous temperatures.” My advice to these uptight hipsters: don’t cry over spilt milk, babyristas, and cool your steam-jets.

Elsewhere, Starbucks has, at a few locations nationwide, been trying out its new Trenta, a thirty-one ounce beverage, purportedly only intended for iced tea and coffee. However, some “rogue” stores have been found to serve other beverages in these gas-station-sized receptacles. Inevitably, somebody decided to try and order the most grossly over-indulgent and disgustingly expensive drink possible at the massive chain. He survived; his claims at over-caffeination, however, may have been a little hyperbolic. Perhaps he could have better tracked his caffeine intake by using the app for that.

It should hardly be a surprise that alcohol consumption can make you act a little crazy. Making news recently are a couple of extreme cases. First, in Florida, the Huffington Post reports that a pair of penniless and inebriated ladies began offering preemptive Mardi Gras celebratory gestures in exchange for more intoxicants. When denied, head-butts, fisty-cuffs, knife fights, and assault-and-battery charges ensued. Down the road a ways, over in Nashville, a lady with a thirst for country music, companionship, and fermented grapes managed to find her way into Kenny Chesney’s estate, claiming she had traveled across the state to meet at his request. With her, when she was found hiding in a restroom on the property, were “at least one, if not two” bottles of wine.

While we’re on the subject of alcoholic intake, there’s a little weird science news brewing in the unlikely field of fruit fly larvae health. It appears, according to a report based on the findings of a self-proclaimed “fruit fly enthusiast,” that when the larvae of the fruit fly become infected with parasites, they seek out fermented fruit, risking death by intoxication, but averting the peril of demise by being eaten from the inside out. Puts a new spin on the phrase “drink to your health,” I suppose. At least if you’re a fly.

But on to things that you, the reader, can actually find useful to imbibe. Or, in the case of White Castle, perhaps, continue to imbibe. The chain, along with other fast-food retailers, is now test-marketing both beer and wine at many of their locations, just in case you weren’t drunk enough when you made the crave-case decision late at night. There’s a couple of real gems in the Wall Street Journal’s report, including the assertion of one employee: “Wine? At White Castle?” she asks, “People would try it, eagerly. It’s ironic.”

And tapped wines are now become popular, according to the Vancouver Sun. For the “moderately priced” wine that does not require aging, kegs of wine present a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and quality enhancing experience for both proprietors and patrons. These wines, which require little-to-no-aging in the bottle, benefit from enhanced freshness in the keg.

In the realm of sugary drinks, which has been under increased scrutiny especially since the First Lady initiated her youth fitness programs, a clinical trial suggests that replacing your high-fructose-corn-syrup-injected beverages with still water is an effective first step in dietary change, and is effective for some weight loss.

And as long as we’re on the topic of wellbeing, Greatist has an ahem healthy dose of information regarding the distinction between regular, light, and low-carb beers. Notwithstanding the frequent misconception that light beer is actually somehow healthier (it can mean lower in alcohol percentage, lower in calories, or sometimes both – there is no standard definition across different brands) and that low-carb beer is less potent (it’s not, necessarily), it’s interesting to note that the choice of a dark beer may offer other peripheral health benefits over lighter options, including a higher iron and antioxidant content.

Finally, a few quick notes on product release/revamps. Chronic brand hemp iced tea (that’s right, it’s brewed hemp) is expanding its market to Hawaii. There’s certainly a joke there somewhere, but seeing as how I’ve never brewed hemp nor been to Hawaii, I’ll leave that to the reader’s discretion.

Additionally, Coca-Cola is going through some fairly major re-branding for both it’s Diet Coke labels (revitalized by noted fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg as mentioned by Jackie Varriano in her Red Carpet-Worthy Munchies article) and Barq’s root beer bottles.

Photo by: Adam Selwood

The first movie I remember seeing in a theater was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I know this sounds crazy, but it was indeed re-released in theaters in 1987. I remember how exciting it was to sit in that dark theater, with the giant screen and that big tub of popcorn; feeling so tiny in those seats, and in awe from the first flicker on screen to the credits. Going to the movies has always been exciting for me; even now I’ll often go by myself (mostly so I don’t have to share popcorn and can pick any movie I want).

We are quickly approaching the biggest night honoring movies, and although the Oscars have been under fire for a few years, losing ratings and being referred to as “a farce,” I still get excited for the movie magic. The awards bring to light movies I’ve never heard of and become excited to see, while also reminding me of wonderful movies I’ve already seen and loved.

So when my editor suggested a column mashing two of my favorite things — food and movies — together, I couldn’t be more excited! The plan is to create pairings between food and the movies nominated for best picture. Pick a few to make while watching the awards show, or when viewing any of the following. Exciting, no?

The Artist
All I have to say is “HELLO Jean Dujardin.” That man could read the phone book to me, and as long as he had one eyebrow cocked, I’d be putty in his hands. I have to keep reminding myself that although this movie is French, it takes place in late ‘20s Hollywood, and is all glamour and glitz. I’d pair this movie with classic black and white cookies and a prohibition-era cocktail. For a vintage Hollywood feel, try a Brown Derby cobb salad.

The Descendants
This Clooney-driven family drama set against the lush backdrop of Hawaii practically begs for kalua pork with two scoops of rice, and mac salad. Too impatient to wait the potential 20 hours for that pork to become shreddable? Get behind some equally delicious ahi tuna poke, served with a refreshing tiki cocktail.

Midnight in Paris
Be still my nostalgic heart. The scenes in both present day and roaring ‘20s Paris are a delight; Marion Cotillard is gorgeous as Adriana and Corey Stoll is a properly dashing Hemingway. I want a lit cigarette, a champagne cocktail, and countless finger foods to help soak up all the bathtub gin. On the menu could be stuffed eggs, crab stuffed mushrooms, shrimp toasts, caviar-topped blinis, and possibly some Alice B. Toklas brownies.

Tree of Life
This film is on my to-watch list, and from what I can tell it’s a real head-scratcher. What I do know for sure is much of the film is set in Texas. The best thing about Texas cuisine? The variety! There’s Frito pie, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos, beef brisket, kolach, and chicken fried steak to choose from.

Moneyball
For this number-crunching flick, I say we stay on the baseball end of things. I have no idea what to pair with sabermetrics. This could mean setting up your own hot dog bar, creating your own cracker jacks, and making sure there is plenty of craft beer available to wash down those peanuts.

The Help
To help reel in the range of emotions felt in this Southern drama, I think we stay with comfort food. Slow cook some collards, get some Mississippi catfish or fried chicken. Don’t forget the mud pie (hold the secret ingredient).

War Horse
I’ll admit I haven’t seen this film, only a strange parody on SNL that has left me slightly confused. I do know that the movie is based on a book, it takes place during World War I, and there is somehow a turnip field involved. I’m suggesting turnips either glazed or caramelized, with a nice Welsh rarebit.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Another intense drama on the list, with serious subject matter. Drawing from the fact that Oskar, the main character is a vegan in the book, I would pair this with a vegan feast. Check out these 15 vegan dinner ideas.

Hugo
An orphan boy, the streets of Paris, inventions galore; this movie needs a great bottle of red, a cheese plate, perfectly puffed gougeres, and butter-poached radishes.

Last but not least, don’t forget the popcorn (air popped or DIY microwaved) or the most literal translation meal of the night, filet Oscar.

Which film do you hope wins best picture?

The Chaser:

“Will it waffle?” That’s the question asked by Waffleizer, the blog dedicated to making everything in a waffle maker. Sounds like a delicious task.

Chipotle + Willie Nelson + Coldplay = Genius? You can decide for yourself. Watch Chipotle’s new sustainability ad.

Better known for her slimming wrap-dresses, Diane Von Furstenberg is now designing a new Diet Coke bottle.

Photo: Dave B.

Tracktown USA: the home of the almighty Ducks, Prefontaine, and the birthplace of Nike–welcome to Eugene, Oregon. Centered in the lush green carpet of the Willamette Valley a little under three hours south of Portland, Eugene is a cultural hotbed of activity. Who wants to make a stop in Eugene, you ask? In the last 30 days I’ve seen Wilco, White Denim, Doomtree, Beats Antique, VibeSquaD, the Portland Cello Project, and the Jayhawks. That’s only a light scratch on the surface of what my newly adopted home city has to offer. Better than the music selection are the venues–some are ripe with history while others are ripe with the stench of old carpet, but all have their own special quirks and advantages. Let’s (stage) dive in to three of my favorite places to hear live music in Eugene.

McDonald Theater
1010 Willamette St. Eugene
(541) 345-4442

Originally opened in 1925, this historic theater is now owned by Kesey (yep, like Ken) Enterprises. Velvet curtains, a spacious balcony, and amazing sound make this venue a must-see. Seating for most shows is under 800–providing an intimate feeling whether you are at a seated show or hunkered down in front of the stage. Be sure to eat something before you come here, as the only food available is from the meager snack bar, which features bagged chips and candy. Luckily, McDonald Theater is smack dab in the middle of downtown, near multiple options for finer pre-show dining or late-night doughnut runs at Voodoo.

There are two bars on-site–one in the rear of the theater and one in the balcony–and rules about buying drinks can be a bit tricky. Most shows are all ages, and if the show seems to have a predominately young (under 21) crowd, or the crowd seems particularly rowdy, alcohol will only be allowed in the bar, or in the balcony (regulated to 21+). If the show is a mellower, more adult crowd, free roaming is allowed. To top off the confusion, these rules can change during the course of the night, so keep the crowd surfing to a minimum if you want to drink in front of the stage. Lines run long in the bar, so be sure to pick your poison quickly and have your preferred method of payment ready– these bartenders aren’t long on patience.

The WOW Hall
291 West 8th Ave. Eugene
(541) 687-2746

Owned by the 501c3 nonprofit Community Center for the Performing Arts, the “Woodmen of the World Hall” was built in 1932. Originally operated by the fraternal organization Woodmen of the World, a Nebraska group known for erecting tree stump-shaped tombstones and helping launch Johnny Carson’s career, it was the spot for weekend square dancing and community events. The stage is small and intimate, sturdy hand-crafted wooden benches line the walls, and the maple dance floor is still beautiful, despite its wear and tear.

In addition to concerts, the WOW Hall is the site of African dance classes, ecstatic dance classes, and various community events. You’ll often run into performers in the tiny bathroom pre-show, and be able to pat them on the back as they tread from the dressing room to the stage (they have to make their own way through the crowd). The WOW Hall is at its best during cozy, acoustic performances. There’s a miniscule snack bar on the main level, doling out bottled water and bags of chips, and a bar downstairs pouring beer and wine for thirsty patrons. You have to be 21+ to check out the basement, and you can’t consume alcohol anywhere else. Forget your credit cards, as the WOW is cash only. Water is self-serve, and bussing your own table is highly appreciated if not expected.

Sam Bonds Garage
407 Blair Ave, Eugene
(541) 431-6603

Exposed rafters, beer in mason jars, great pizza, bluegrass. Those are a few of the choice descriptors for Sam Bonds Garage, a down-home venue set in the Whittaker neighborhood (a spot known for wackos, weirdos, and wonderful people-watching). Sam Bonds is the place to go for crazy bar games, impromptu jam sessions, and local, live music mashed up with nationally known groups.

The menu focuses on local, organic ingredients and features mouth-watering pizzas, soups and salads. The under-21 crowd is welcome any time until the clock strikes 8:30 p.m., with concerts beginning around nine o’clock. Most shows are free, but occasionally there’s a nominal cover charge. A secluded garden patio out back allows you to catch a breath of fresh air, and microbrews galore wait behind the full-service bar. The staff isn’t afraid to keep crowd level in accordance with fire marshal capacity, so be sure to get there early or you might get turned away at the door.

Photos by Eugene Cascades & Coast, The McDonald Theater, the WOW Hall and Sam Bonds Garage.

1. In a decision that will most likely triple U.S. produce exports to Europe within three years, the USDA and the European Union agreed Wednesday to standardize their respective definitions of what makes fruits and vegetables “organic,” rendering regulatory semantics equivalent. Previously, this or that fertilizer used on this or that side of the ocean, and other small production issues of the sort, prevented essentially organic produce from being called organic once it reached the other side. And now all has been made right, come June 1, effectively doubling domestic farmers’ consumer base.

2. Portion sizes have seriously come under the gun in the fight against obesity and food waste as of late. A study conducted at a Chinese restaurant, by a research team at Duke University, turned up proof that approximately a quarter of diners opt for half-size side orders of rice or noodles regardless of being charged for the standard helping. Rather than attacking entrée portions, the researchers found reducing quantities of less expensive, starchy sides, heaped onto plates to create the illusion of value, is the key to subtly cutting back waste and, simultaneously, slimming waist-lines.

3. On the subject of smaller portions, Mars — god of candy bars — has announced that, by the end of 2013, all of their myriad chocolaty offerings will be chopped in size to comply with a (ballpark) 250-calorie top-off. King-size goes kaput.

4. Nearly a year back, the spokesman for the tongue-in-cheek Las Vegas burger joint Heart Attack Grill — 29-year-old, 575-pound Blair River — died after a nasty case of pneumonia, much to the invalidation of many people’s presumptions. But this week, on Saturday, a customer in his 40s hit the irony right on the head: while seated in the Heart Attack Grill consuming a sandwich known as the Triple Bypass, a (nameless) man went into cardiac arrest. Thankfully, he’s alive and well and, hopefully, chuckling about not having to pay for his meal.

5. The anticipation is almost over, folks. Taco Bell announced on Thursday that the Doritos Locos Taco will indelibly debut as a permanent menu item on March 8. (For those of you not in the know or somehow left stumped by the name, Doritos Locos Tacos are tacos with crispy shells made of whatever it is Nacho Cheese Doritos are made of. Also pertinent: this was urged into existence by thousands upon thousands of Taco Bell/Doritos enthusiasts. Peer pressure lives.)

6. The nearly impenetrable and incalculably vital national legislation known as the farm bill gets tossed around Congress, beginning this week. Apparently, even politicians and trained professionals struggle to comprehend its complexity. If you need to know just one thing about this year’s bi-decade update to the bill, SNAP takes up a majority of the budget (~68% in 2008), and we basically have no idea where relevant taxpayer money (~$72 billion to SNAP in 2011) is actually going (e.g., no itemized receipts required of retailers who accept food stamps). This may soon change.

7. If you’re under the impression that the best beer to use when playing beer pong is Big Flats or Beast Ice or Game Day, you are incredibly behind the curve, my friend. All of those fine beverages can be bought in units smaller than a box of 30 and none of those fine beverages include complimentary ping-pong balls. Say hello to Pong Beer, the winner of this year’s national “Our Product Excels at Openly Encouraging and Actively Advancing Binge Drinking” Award. Available in certain states since last December, Pong has now popped up in the South and is quickly spreading like a communicable disease at a frat party.

8. Ready your most convincing surprised face, everyone: Chris Matthews believes and un-self-consciously voices his opinion that it’s “weird” when husbands cook dinner. Never mind fathers or uncles or brothers or sons, because if they’re cooking dinner, it’s probably some kind of special occasion, like single-parenthood or Mother’s Day, and, in which case, it isn’t weird. But when a man married to a woman goes ahead and prepares food for his family while they tend to the finer, more challenging points of domestic existence usually relegated only to non-mom entities, it’s time to pull out the bizarro-meter and take a reading. Off the charts.

9. The ceiling’s the limit at Chicago’s Michelin-ranked restaurant Alinea, where the freshest food wizardry is their inflatable dessert — flavored, floating balloons. They’re just toying with us, at this point.

10. As if the globe needed further proof of Monsanto’s villainy, French grain farmer Paul Francois steps forward to announce they poisoned him while he routinely cleaned the tank of his crop sprayer, back in 2004. What the globe definitely does need is a foot in the door to curbing Monsanto, and that foot comes in the form of a guilty verdict: in a landmark ruling — as in, first-of-its-kind — against pesticide makers, Monsanto are shown to have failed to provide adequate warning labels on one of their weedkillers (banned by the EU in 2007) and are consequently being held accountable for causing neurological damage to Francois. Gouge ‘em good, guy!

Photo: daveparker

1. The only reason to be up and at ‘em on a weekend morning is this: SF Weekly’s top 10 brunch spots in the city. So, I guess that’s actually 10 reasons. There’s the red flannel hash at Serpentine and the balsalmic fried eggs at Foreign Cinema, luring us out of our cozy hideouts and giving us a good excuse to exit stranger’s beds on the early side. You can Bloody Mary your way to a good long afternoon nap for less cash than the amount of bar snacks and cocktails that got you into that stranger’s bed in the first place.

2. The Rock Bar opened this weekend in the Mission, complete with Prohibition-style cocktails and a gold spray-painted phone booth, says 7×7. But what makes this Mission watering hole different than other mixologist pedestals? The Fire In the Hole — a shot of Bulleit Rye with a Shlitz back, accompanied by free charcuterie, reports Thrillist. Yes please.

3. Ryan Farr is more than a dude who puts brie and brioche on the same burger. He’s a finalist in the International Association of Culinary Professionals cookbook category. His “cook” book, Whole Beast Butchery, is really an easy to read and beautifully designed technical/reference book for aspiring butchers. He’s up against another butchery book and a chef from New Orleans’ My Family Table, says EaterSF. Cross your hot dog holders for our local man!

4. Berkeley’s Cafe Intermezzo and neighboring Raleigh’s are camping out by campus, with plans to reconstruct the burned down restaurant space into a tented eatery complete with booze. Navigating the permitting process should be easy, Kirk Peterson told the East Bay Express on Wednesday, but he asked, “Is this something that the kids will like?” The Daily Cal tells us Peterson’s got nothing to worry about.

5. There is rest for the weary. The weary being our headline worthy, trigger-happy folks in uniform at The Warehouse, a cop bar in Jack London Square. But our heroes get more than just a stool to rest on and a brew to swig, says the East Bay Express. They get legit bar snacks, pool, and shuffleboard. They get live music and wallpaper made of memorials to their hard work. Now, to the men in blue: after all that R&R, get back out there and protect our protesters!

6. Your Fat Tuesday party guides are published! Tablehopper is sending readers to the annual Fillmore District celebration. Thrillist says Hilltop 1892 gives us a great view of the seafood gumbo — I mean the Novato Foothills. And SF Gate tells you where to get crawfish bread and fried alligator.

7. Mission Chinese is going national with plans to open a location in New York this spring, says Tablehopper. And Inside Scoop SF reports that the Mission gem is on GQ’s list of the 10 best restaurants in America.

8. Hold your hot peppers — this leap year the farmer’s market is getting drunk. Ladies from Bay Area bars will be shaking their shallots at the Ferry Building on Wednesday, Feb 29th for CUESA’s first cocktail event of the year, reports Tablehopper. Meanwhile, Hog and Rocks gets a libation upgrade with former Plum Bar team Scott Beattie and Michael Lazar.

9. An unlikely duo, a construction worker and a dive instructor, are now serving local brews and bacon butter sandwiches at Chomp N’ Swig, says Thrillist. And in vegan news, SFoodie reports on vegan foods at Trader Joe’s, an updated Herbivore menu, and vegan bacon Guinness caramels on Etsy.

10. The Alamo Draft House, an Austin movie theater/speakeasy, may be moving into the Mission, says Grubstreet. Medjool, the proposed spot, however, is still on the market.

Tigers, giant pandas, polar bears and whales–these are just some of the most well-known species rapidly disappearing from our planet each day. But did you know your morning smoothie and beloved banana cream pie are also on the verge of extinction?

Well, they might be. Cavendish bananas, which make up 99 percent of the world’s banana exports, are considered an endangered species. Before the Cavendish variety became the world’s favorite, its counterpart, the Gros Michel, reigned supreme. At least, until this little epidemic called Panama Disease–also known as Fusarium wilt, its smarter-sounding name–wiped out 40,000 hectares of the beloved banana in Central and South America in the early 1900s. Left with the fear of bankruptcy and famine, producers frantically replaced their former Gros Michel bananas with the Cavendish crop, which was believed to be immune to the dreadful Panama Disease.

In addition to its immunity, the Cavendish bananas quickly became a favorite of producers everywhere because it was able to withstand long trips overseas without becoming too ripe or too bruised. The Cavendish has since helped the banana export industry reap in over $7 billion annually.

Unfortunately, like most diseases, there are several strains of Panama Disease–and a new one has arrived on the market. Our Cavendish bananas are not immune to this new strain, known as Tropical Race Four (TRF); it was first discovered in Southeast Asia in the early 1990s. If TRF makes its way to Latin America–home to the majority of the banana’s monocultures–this highly profitable industry, along with all of the hardworking folks depending on it, could be wiped out forever.

One die-hard banana fan is so distraught over the thought of losing her favorite fruit that she even created a Facebook group to openly discuss the danger that bananas are facing. “Bananas: The Endangered Fruit” provides an open forum for anyone to express their fears and skepticism. Although it’s been a few years since anyone’s commented in the Facebook group, the risk to Cavendish bananas remains true–not to mention unsettling. Scientists and producers alike don’t seem to know how long it might take TRF to wipe out the majority of our Cavendish bananas, but the damage has already been done elsewhere. A local newspaper in Malaysia once called the disease “the H.I.V. of banana plantations.” When TRF reached China and the Philippines, the effect was just as horrifying; then it hit Australia. So far, the fungus has caused tens of millions of dollars’ worth of destruction.

Only time will tell if the spreading of this disease can be stopped, and if our Cavendish bananas will be safe. Until then, enjoy that smoothie, banana bread, or peanut butter and banana sandwich while you still can.

It might be your last.

Original photo provided by Tip Top Fruit.

My first foray into vegetable roasting came when I discovered how it improved green beans. There are a lot of recipes for roasted green beans floating around the web, but here is how I make them:

First, I preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Then I take a bag of ready-to-use green beans. (Don’t judge me. I don’t have time to snap off all of the ends). I dump the green beans on a baking sheet, spray them with olive oil cooking spray, sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper and then roast them for at least 20 minutes.

This is now the only way anyone in my house will eat a green bean. I make them a couple of times a month.

I give asparagus the same treatment. I love asparagus, and am happy to eat it steamed as well, but my husband and son prefer it roasted.

I tackled Brussels sprouts next. The key to success is to chop the Brussels sprouts into thirds so that the tiny leaves caramelize in the oven. Roasting Brussels sprouts removes the cabbage taste and renders them milder and almost sweet. I adapted a recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen. I skip the almonds and serve them right out of the oven.

My daughter ate roasted Brussels sprouts for a little while, and then her fickle taste buds kicked in and now she refuses them.

Kalyn also has a great recipe for roasting carrots.

Go ahead ... roast 'em.

Then I discovered I could roast broccoli. I have the Amateur Gourmet to thank. His suggestion to skip washing the broccoli is central to the recipe’s success. When roasted, the flavor of broccoli mellows considerably. My husband has always been willing to eat broccoli, but now he actually likes it.

I do have one trick that will get my daughter to eat spinach. When we are fixing her chicken nuggets, I add a small handful of spinach leaves to the baking sheet. One thin layer of spinach will crisp up to a chip-like form in about 7 minutes. “Roasting” the spinach is not foolproof, however. The greens are floppy if undercooked, and will char to a crisp if you don’t keep an eye on them.

Not only is it easy to roast vegetables — olive oil, salt, pepper, and an oven are all you need — but they can be served without adding butter or fatty sauces. Try roasting vegetables to make them more palatable for diners of any age, unless of course, you are also trying to feed my daughter.

The Chaser:

Like veggie chips? Try making your carrot, kale, and (of course) potato chips.

Photo: Philocrites  

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and every magazine, newspaper, and blog has its list of dreamy date spots. While there certainly are endless options for a romantic dinner, most of the top contenders are far outside of recession-budget guidelines. I suppose spending a couple hundred dollars on an unforgettable meal has its charm, but some of us simply can’t afford to go all out. Here is a list of romantic and reasonably priced spots around our lovely town. Sure, it’s going to cost more than a burrito, but your date is totally worth it, right? Whatever the story, no one wants to have a bad time. After all, there’s romance in the air!

Amelie – Nob Hill
1754 Polk St. (between Clay St & Washington St)

Wine bars are basically the quintessential (and most stereotypical) place to go. Everyone knows that wine and a cozy, warm, and dimly-lit interior are enough to make a stone heart melt. At Amelie, they practically give away the wine at happy hour ($10 for 3 glasses), and the food is scrumptious in a totally normal, not-trying-too-hard sort of way.

Beretta – Mission
1199 Valencia St. (between 22nd St & 23rd St)

This is the perfect storm of fun drinks, low lighting, and delicious food at reasonable prices. Sounds of happy diners and hip music make Beretta loud enough so that no one will be paying attention to your conversation, but not so loud as to be unable to hear your date. The eggplant caponatina, with added burrata, is marvelous, with its big chunks of cherry tomatoes and green olives, and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Unsurprisingly, people come back time and time again for this alone. The oven-fired pizzas are also a must-order, with their crispy thin crusts. Be sure to try the Bartender’s Special: a margherita pizza with spicy tomato sauce, burrata cheese, and added sausage. It’s a good idea to make a reservation to avoid a wait, which can be a while. Beretta is also open until 1am, which makes it ideal for late-night, classy dining.

Cha Cha Cha – Mission
2327 Mission St. (between 19th St & 20th St)

Known for its Caribbean-style tapas  and fun music, everyone has a fabulous time at Cha Cha Cha. They don’t take reservations, but with strong drinks and outstanding sangria, waiting by the bar is hardly an issue. For small plates, the Cajun shrimp, calamari, and ceviche are all excellent if you’re into seafood. Otherwise, the fried plantanos, fried new potatoes with aioli, and chicken wings with a guava-chipotle glaze are cult favorites. There is a large plate menu as well, with options galore, but the real fun is in tapas that are excellent for sharing

Chapeau! – Inner Richmond
126 Clement St
(between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)

Chapeau! is cute, classy, and the atmosphere oozes romance, but it’s totally affordable at $28 for the early bird, three-course prix-fixe menu. If you really want to impress your date, they have a smashing selection of plates, from foie gras to filet mignon. By the time you leave, you’ll be drunk on love.

Don Pisto’s – Russian Hill
510 Union St. (at Grant Ave)

Don Pisto’s is the sort of place that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood, and is the definition of a nice neighborhood joint, worth a trip even across the city. With a brick wall interior, big wooden tables and chairs, and a flirty menu to get you in the mood, it’s loud, but not too loud to have a conversation. It’s dim, but not so dim so as to not see your date, and the other diners are usually in a great mood. The al pastor tacos, with tender grilled pork rib and pineapple, are outstanding, as is the guacamole, the tortilla soup, and the lobster, should you be so inclined.

Off The Grid – Haight

Off The Grid is a fantastic solution to a dinner date with anyone from a blind date to a long time love. With a drink in hand, and live music or a DJ playing in the background, waiting in line can be strangely romantic, too. Of course, no need to choose one restaurant when you can have the variety of multiple food trucks, and with all this variety, there’s no way to leave hungry. The two most popular trucks (and bound to run out of the good stuff), are Curry Up Now, with an amazing Chicken Tikka Masala Burrito, and Chairman Bao, with everything from duck confit bau, to pork belly/pickled daikon radish bao. Just remember, the sooner you arrive, the better the options.

Oyaji Restaurant – Outer Richmond
3123 Clement St. (at 32nd Ave)

Oyaji is not a typical sushi bar. It’s a place where someone might buy the chef a shot of sake, or where neighborhood regulars might scoot behind the bar to make a roll of their own. The menu is Izakaya-style, which means it’s great for sharing and trying multiple things — like their high-grade sushi, ramen, or crowd favorite pork belly yakitori. This is especially good as a second or third date — or a first date for two adventurous, outgoing people. It’s authentically Japanese, and the setting is perfect. It’s like going on a date in Japan, and frankly, who doesn’t love vacation. Their sake list is so outstanding, it merits a trip all on its own.

Photo Credit: Beraldo Leal

1. In what is being described as the last-ditch effort to remedy intensely pervasive alcoholism on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the Oglala Sioux Tribe filed a $500 million lawsuit Thursday against nine huge brewers, including all the familiar players (i.e., Anheuser-Busch, Coors, Miller, Molson, Pabst), and against four alcohol retailers situated in bordering Whiteclay, NE — a tiny Panhandle town claiming little more than ten residents that somehow seemed to sell about 5 million beers in 2010. Two more important facts: 1) Pine Ridge is a dry reservation; 2) 25% of children born on Pine Ridge are born with fetal alcohol syndrome/spectrum disorder. Do the math. Damages sought would just about cover child rehabilitation, social services, and health-care costs for all tribal members suffering from the effects of longstanding beer smuggling and the fueling of addiction. If nothing else, the lawsuit could raise national awareness of a marginalized community’s need for assistance.

2. Another community, of sorts — fashion models — debuted their new health initiatives Thursday, with the start of New York Fashion Week. Drafted last month and implemented by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the guidelines mandate an age limitation for modeling (16 years old), tobacco- and alcohol-free backstage, and the cessation of modeling for those with eating disorders. Besides that, all the guidelines really do is urge and encourage as opposed to proactively protect, and it’s a true commitment to models’ welfare that appears to be lacking, chimes the National Eating Disorders Association.

3. Making the most of what’s left, the official NFL Food Rescue Partner out of Indianapolis, Second Helpings, have salvaged over 40,000 pounds of game-day leftovers since Sunday, reassembling and distributing whatever untouched, unserved food they could find to shelters, senior housing, and day care centers around the city. To the victors go the unspoiled!

4. The First Lady and Pentagon head-honchos announced Thursday, while visiting an airforce base in Arkansas’s capital, an all-new Military Health System nutrition campaign designed not only to offer a wider variety of healthier foods to soldiers but also to address the Defense Department’s $1.1 billion medical costs dedicated sheerly to obesity in the armed forces. This program marks the first change to the military’s food standards in the last two decades.

5. With Q4 profit increases yet fallen company shares and forecasted decline in 2012 profits, PepsiCo broke some bad news Thursday to 8,700 employees internationally: you’re fired. Coke went public Tuesday with their own cost-cutting plan, differentiated by total retention of the workforce. After the insufficiency of last year’s price hike, whatever their definition of insufficiency may be, Pepsi decided they needed to offset higher commodity-cost projections by slashing 3% of U.S. job-holders.

6. In a supposed attempt, described Tuesday, to improve the health of their shoppers, Walmart will be stamping certain food packaging with the tagline “Great For You,” provided the products meet the criteria laid out by their new nutritional standards. Recognizing their role as the nation’s largest food retailer, Walmart has already lowered the prices of fruits and vegetables, as well as of health-conscious items, and fought to reduce sodium, sugar, and trans fat in many of their offerings. Whether this will render consumers healthier or simply bring in more “green” money for the corporation remains to be seen.

7. It seems everyone’s in the midst of overhauls. Arby’s announced this week an upcoming complete relaunch of their image and menu, due by July. Changes will include a new logo, new slogan, and new restaurant design, targeting a new audience. Hat(s) off, most likely.

8. Aside from its slightly limited scope, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association proves rather promising for our country’s health: blood levels of the infamous trans fat in non-Hispanic white adults decreased by 58% between 2000 and 2009, probably thanks to nationwide demonization of the fatty acid and its tendency to obstruct arteries. The CDC says it is currently conducting similar studies on other ethnic groups and races.

9. Another study, published Monday in the British Medical Journal, investigated the ways in which solid foods are introduced into babies’ diets and what effects they have on the children’s health. Out of the 63 spoon-fed babies, eight went on to be obese toddlers, whereas none of the 63 babies who controlled their own eating did. Additionally, when given the option, the spoon-fed babies chose sugary snacks over carb-heavy foods such as breads and pastas; the babies who finger-fed themselves exhibited the opposite preference.

10. Def Jam co-founder, business kingpin, and outspoken vegan Russell Simmons penned a letter to his old pal from Queens Governor Andrew Cuomo this week, requesting that milk be devalued in the eyes of the state and dethroned as New York’s official beverage. Just trying to slim things down out on the Phat Farm. Cuomo has said nothing yet.

Photo: Hamner_Foto

1. The Kingfish Pub in the Temescal district of Oakland may temporarily thwart developers from bulldozing the 90-year old dive bar by acquiring historic landmark status. According to SF Gate, only one other bar in Oakland has reached landmark status — Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, once frequented by Jack London. Oakland North says the site is threatened by a city-approved development project to build condos, a project that was indefinitely postponed by the recession but may be gearing up for a follow through.

2. Eater’s Hottest Chef competition went co-ed on Thursday, with ladies entering the 7th “heat” of the first round. Why so late in the game? I think these smoking seductresses have the unfair advantage of, well, being female.

3. Notable restaurants are starting to claim the California in their cuisine, according to Michael Bauer, SF Chronicle’s ruling restaurant critic. The arduously evolving and sometimes controversial labels that chefs give to categorize the type of food they make has, until now, attempted to avoid the nebulous concept of “California cuisine.” But now that locally sourced ingredients are a top priority, its okay to claim your region. Some places (ahem, Chez Panisse and Bar Agricole) are even going so far as to say Northern California cuisine.

4. Outerlands, three-year old restaurant in the Sunset district, is doubling in size this summer, according to Inside Scoop SF. The expansion comes complete with a full, U-shaped bar and a communal table. Co-owner Dave Muller says his neighborhood regulars often, “lose [restaurant seating] to destination traffic.”

5. Pop-up Wise Sons’ Jewish Deli gets brick-and-mortar in the Mission, says Grubstreet. By the way, its chef, Leo Beckerman sliced up the competition with a 48% win in the first round of Eater’s Annual Hottest Chef competition.

6. Local food culture magazine Meatpaper brings top-notch chefs and artists to the Mission District today for “Bones,” a free to the public art walk with tasting plates from folks like Jerome Waag of Chez Panisse and Nick Balla of Bar Tartine. The event is from 7-11pm in the 20th Street corridor between Capp and Florida.

7. The Dancing Pig, a “BBQ-ery” in the Castro opened on Superbowl Sunday, says Thrillist. How appropriate. The menu, according to Grubstreet, is attempting to define a San Francisco style of barbecue. Good luck, says the southern girl (me).

8. First of its kind employee-owned coffee shop, the Alchemy Collective, opens in Berkeley, according to Tablehopper. The shop features Verve coffee from a La Marzocco espresso machine and V60 style drip coffee from a custom drip bar. Awesome. On the complete opposite end of coffee, Starbucks creeps up on the Ferry Building by attempting to open just north of the iconic Slow Food mall on the Bay. Inside Scoop reports rumors that the coffee giant is willing to pay double for the space. Meanwhile, Jim Seishas, manager of the coffee program at The Boot and Shoe Service, talked with SF Weekly about pairing slow food with equally slow coffee: “You’re going to care about your food and you’re going to care about your wine and then  … (the) last thing you’re offering is a shit cup of coffee?” Obviously not. He went with Sightglass, local micro-roastery, instead of Mr. Espresso.

9. Busy or working or generally disenchanted by V-Day crowds? 7×7 tells you whats up for the week of romance. It’s the last chance for love with foie gras this year on Absinthe’s Valentine’s Day menu, says Tablehopper. For the sweet tooth, KQED recommends Powell’s Vintage Candies to get your, “retro sugar rush.” Or, if you are the DIY kind, check out this truffle recipe.

10. Does bad service equal better food and drinks? Ask your bartender/barista … or better yet, don’t bother. They’re not paying attention to you, according to7×7. Micheal Bauer is skeptical of the bad service trend too, sighting water bottles on the table at places like A Cote as an erosion of service. Weigh in on this debate here.