Events:

Just back from the GABF, and we’re off… all kinds of things are going on here in the Bay Area…here are three for starters…

• The venerable Toronado, 547 Haight St., San Francisco,  holds a Wet Hop Harvest Beer Festival Wednesday, (Oct. 15, 2008) beginning at  6 p.m.  If you missed the Bistro’s Wet Hop Fest two weeks ago, or if you went and loved the beer, here’s another shot. No doubt proprietor David Keene has lined up some different beers as well.

What in the hell are wet hops: The Toronado explains it this way: Wet hopping is the process of utilizing fresh, undried hops in the brewing process, giving these beers unique and distinctive hop character. Right you are.

• Thursday (Oct. 16, 2008) Brewer’s Dinner with Marin Brewing brewmaster Arne Johnson, Noonan’s Bar & grill, ,2233 Larkspur Landing, Larkspur, CA. $79, call 415-464-8711.

This is the second annual. I went last year and had a great time. They not only poured the beers promised, but Arne brought some extra, barrel-aged beers he’d been saving. Don’t know if he will this time, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
http://www.noonansbarandgrill.com/

Here’s the menu.

Reception, 7 pm. Lamb Sliders, onion marmalade, harissa
Marin Brewing Company Mt. Tam Pale Ale

Dinner, 7:30 p.m.,

New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels with Dipsea Tripel & garlic cream

Marin Brewing Company Wild Yeast Bottle Conditioned Dipsea Tripel

Porter Braised Niman Ranch Pork Belly morel flan, caramelized onions, frisee, arugula pesto
Marin Brewing Company Cask Conditioned Pt. Reyes Porter

Dessert:

Warm Stout Cake, blueberry ale syrup, stout malt tips, fresh blueberries
Marin Brewing Company ‘Black & Blue’
San Quentin Breakout Stout & Bluebeery Ale

Humboldt Fog Cheese
Chardonnay grapes, roasted hazelnuts
Marin Brewing Company Grand Funk

• Friday,  Oct. 17, 5 - 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, all day.  Pacific Coast Brewing Co. is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a block party Friday from 5 - 10 p.m. live music and the first pour of Don Gortemiller’s 20th anniversary beer, which is made, naturally, with 20 ingredients. On Saturday, they’re rolling back beer prices to 1988.