Bay Area Cave Hikes

If you consider yourself an outdoorsman/woman, and love to take a hike on California's hundreds of trails, then this should be right up your alley - a cave hike! If you've never explored the Bay Area's caves, spring is the perfect time to do it, before the temperatures get too hot. Thrillist ranks these caves as the coolest ones to take a hike through:

Sutro Baths Cave
San Francisco, CA
Distance from SF: 0 miles!
You can get your first cave fix right here in the 7x7. Head to Lands End to check out the ruins of Adolph Sutro’s former oceanside resort, the Sutro Baths. A climb down to sea level from the Lands End parking lot lets you explore a cave where you can scare yourself silly, meditate, or enjoy the occasional concert.

Vasco Caves
Near Livermore, CA
Distance from SF: 50 miles; 1 hour
Located in the foothills of Mount Diablo, the Vasco Caves complex features Indian rock art, endangered plant and animal species, and the largest golden eagle nesting site in the world. Guided tours are required and you can book one online for just $34 a pop.

Secret Cave
Point Reyes, CA
Distance from SF: 50 miles; 1.5 hours (plus a four-mile, round-trip hike)
A trip to Secret Cave starts with a drive to Point Reyes’s Limantour Beach. From there, hike two miles South to a rock arch that brings you to Sculptured Beach. The cave entrance is on your left just after the arch, and depending on the sand level, you can walk or a crawl in to view the amphitheater.

Elephant Cave
Point Reyes, CA
Distance from SF: 60 miles; 1.75 hours (plus a 3.5-mile, round-trip hike)
Start your journey at the McClure’s Beach trailhead and follow the path until you reach the beach. Then, take a left to walk south to Elephant Rock and the cave. To see how Elephant Rock got its name, walk past the cave area and take a look back.

NOTE: Both Point Reyes caves (Secret Cave and Elephant Cave) are blocked off by water except at the lowest tide levels. Consult tide tables closely before visiting. You can actually get trapped in Secret Cave, so be adventurous, but also don't be stupid and get yourself hurt. Also: water-safe clothing and water shoes are advised, as your cave explorations may look something like this.

Porter Caves/Empire Caves
Santa Cruz, CA
Distance from SF: 75 miles; 1.25 hours
The Porter or Empire Caves are a series of three underground caves located near Empire Grade in Santa Cruz. This beginner’s spelunking adventure starts with an easy climb down a ladder through a hole within a concrete block. If you don’t like creepy crawlies, take note that these caves are home to the rare Dollof cave spider and Empire Cave pseudoscorpion. Yes, pseudoscorpion. Evolution is weird.

Ixl Cave aka Hell Hole Cave
Santa Cruz, CA
Distance from SF: 75 miles; 1.25 hours
The advanced, 45min-long journey through Hell Hole Cave starts with a squeeze down a tight, 90ft descent. As you might guess, this one’s not for the claustrophobic. You’ll also need to come prepared with water, rope, slings, harnesses, lights, and extra batteries. Or you can skip all of that and just watch this guy’s solo expedition on YouTube.

Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave
Paicines, CA
Distance from SF: 125 miles; 2.25 hours
In this newly minted Pinnacles National Park, you’ll find the Balconies and Bear Gulch Cave trails. The Bear Gulch Cave is the largest maternity colony for Townsend's big-eared bats between San Francisco and Mexico, which means part to all of this cave is closed in the summer months when the wee little bat babies are being born. Rain and storms can also close both caves, so check cave status before you visit.

Black Chasm Cavern
Volcano, CA
Distance from SF: 135 miles; 2.5 hours
Black Chasm Cavern was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976 and has been open to the public since 2000. The two tours of this vertical cave include stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and rare helictite crystal. For an aboveground adventure, gemstone mining and geode cracking are also available.

NOTE: Calaveras County is cave city. This and the following two caves can be visited with the Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation. If you're particularly ambitious, you might even be able to visit all three of these caves in a single weekend.

California Cavern State Historic Landmark
Mountain Ranch, CA
Distance from SF: 140 miles; 2.5 hours
In 1850, gold miner Captain Joseph Taylor discovered this cave and opened it to the public. Dances and meetings were held here and Mark Twain and John Muir both paid a visit. Today, even the tame “family tour” of this cave includes a rafting segment and a walk through knee-deep mud, so make sure you’ve packed a change of clothes.

Moaning Cavern
Vallecito, CA
Distance from SF: 140 miles; 2.5 hours
At 410ft, this is the tallest public cave you can visit in California. Its name comes from a moaning sound created by drops of water that fall into a bottle-shaped flowstone formation. The bones of 100 people from as far back as 13,000 years ago were found at the bottom of the cave. It's believed that these unlucky folks accidentally fell to their deaths throughout the ages. Tours of Moaning Cavern start with an optional rappel down to the cave floor.

Spring Events in San Fran

Today officially marks the beginning of spring! With that comes baseball, festivals, and oh so many wonderful city traditions and events! If you're not too caught up in the March Madness this weekend, take the time to plan your spring season around some of these San Francisco events, some quirky, some traditional, all fun. Events courtesy of Thrillist.

MARCH 21
SoMa StrEat Food Park Corn Dog Festival
It's National Corn Dog Day and there is no better way to celebrate than at the nation's largest corn dog festival sponsored by PBR. The battered goodness goes down from noon-6pm.

APR 11-19
Cherry Blossom Festival
Two weekends of performances, crafts, food, martial arts, and exhibitions that celebrate Japanese culture. Don't miss the Grand Parade on April 19th; it starts at the Civic Center at 1pm.

APRIL 13
SF Giants home opener
Take the day off of work because Opening Day (against the Rockies this year) is one of the city's hands-down best "holidays." Plus, you don’t want to miss the raising of the 2014 World Series championship flag, do you?

APRIL 26
How Weird Street Faire
It’s billed as the weirdest show on Earth, but considering we also have the Folsom Street Fair in SF, that can’t be true. Still, there will be 10 stages of electronic dance music, an art alley, and food and vendors from around the world. All for $20.

APRIL 26
Opening Day on the Bay
If you have a boat, or a friend with a boat, then this kick off to SF’s sailing season will be one of the most fun days of the year. If you don't have a boat or a friend with a boat... maybe start making friends now?

MAY 2
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Cinco de Mayo’s on a Tuesday this year, but if you want to get the (alcohol-free) party started early, head over to the Mission on the Saturday before for a diverse array of Mexican and Latino foods, music, and dance.

MAY 5
Cinco de Mayo
You've got this.
Your favorite Mexican bar or restaurant

MAY 9
San Francisco International Beer Festival
There will be more than 300 beers from craft brewers all over the world. We could go on, but we're pretty sure that says it all.

MAY 10
Mother's Day
Yes, you went to the SF International Beer Fest last night, but that's no excuse to forget to call your Mom and tell her how much you appreciate her. Also: FLOWERS, dude. Flowers.

MAY 9
UnCorked Wine Festival
50 top-tier wineries will be pouring tastings from 1-6pm at Ghirardelli Square. So get there at 1pm.

MAY 17
Bay to Breakers
Maybe this year will be the year you’ll actually make it all the way to the ocean. Then again... maybe not.

MAY 23-24
Carnaval San Francisco
If you can tear your eyes away from the hypnotizing feathers and colors long enough to do anything else, there’s a ton of international food and music to check out at San Francisco’s huge multi-cultural celebration of spring. That’s a big if, though.

JUNE 6-7
Union Street Festival
This year, each block will represent a different “world.” There’s Fashion World and Tech World and Health World... oddly, there's no “Beer World,” but you won’t let that stop you.

JUNE 7
Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
It’s a 1.5mi swim from Alcatraz, 18mi bike ride, and eight-mile run. If you partake in this, maybe you are crazy enough to be locked up.

JUN 13-14
North Beach Festival
It’s SF’s oldest street fair and one of the most fun. Music, tons of food (duh), and your favorite: beer gardens.

JUNE 14
The Doobie Brothers at Stern Grove
The free concert series kicks off on Sunday, June 14th with a performance by The Doobie Brothers. Insert “Listen to the Music” joke here.

Haight-Ashbury Street Fair
Two stages of music and all of the street food your heart desires.

Saint Patrick's Day Cocktail

Although Saint Patrick's Day isn't actually until Tuesday, many people are choosing to celebrate this weekend. If you're hosting a party at your apartment home, besides the Guinness, you'll want to perfect and impress your guests with a special Saint Patty's Day cocktail - a Jameson Julep! Put on your green, pretend to be Irish and have a great time at your party! Here is the recipe for the juleps, courtesy of Redwood City - Woodside Patch:

Looking for a delicious but easy cocktail for your upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration?  Johnny Garlic’s bartender “JZ” shows you how to quickly concoct this Irish-themed libation so you have more time to celebrate with your guests.

The drink is centered around Jameson Irish Whiskey and finished off with fresh mint, lime, agave nectar (or sugar) and soda.

JZ told Patch, “It’s kind of like an Irish Mojito.” Watch the video of how to make the Jameson Julep here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0P5Bp4HDos&noredirect=1

Want to complete your St. Patrick’s Day party with some corned beef? We have two recipes for you to try! Recipes found here: St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef: 1 Traditional Meal Cooked 2 Ways

Weekend Event: Melanie O Reilly Jazz Quartet

Happy Friday! If you're ready for a relaxing weekend close to home, stay in Redwood City and take in a concert from the Melanie O Reilly Jazz Quartet on Sunday at Angelica's Bistro. In honor of International Women's Day, the quartet will be showcasing the music of Anita O'Day. Tickets are $15 online or $21 at the door. Here is more event information from 7x7:

For International Women's Day!
Melanie O’Reilly Jazz Quartet
The music of Anita O’Day
Sunday March 8th 2015 
7:30pm show
Bell Stage Main Dining Room

@ Angelicas, 
863 Main Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Tel: (650) 679 8184
http://angelicasllc.com/event.cfm?id=189948&cart
Tickets: $15 online, $21 at door

Award-winning jazz vocalist , Melanie O’Reilly celebrates the legendary Irish-American jazz vocalist Anita O’Day, capturing the essence of an unconventional musical genius, who shattered the traditional image of the 'girl singer' with her smoky swinging style and brilliant sense of rhythm. Also featuring Melanie's stellar trio : Frank Martin -piano, Fred Randolph- bass, Jack Dorsey -drums

“The show is a celebration, and O’Reilly makes every number her own ... effortlessly, rhythmic backbeats, sultry, soulful... virtuoso style. ” — Edinburgh Fringe Festival/Unlimited Media 

Interspersing narration between the songs, Melanie tells the story of O’Day, who was born to Irish parents in Kansas City, wanted to be a jazz singer, and refused to let anything stop her. She went on to become one of the world’s greatest jazz singers, captured in the iconic film documentary "Jazz on a Summer’s Day" at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.

Melanie’s riveting performance, which garnered 4-star reviews and standing ovations at the international Edinburgh Fringe Festival, brings new life to the memory of the great jazz vocalist, and pays tribute to one her great musical inspirations.

Since bursting onto the international scene as one of jazz’s most daring innovators, Melanie O’Reilly is recognized as one of Ireland’s international jazz ambassadors ; she is currently based in Berkeley California, and is an internationally known jazz performer/singer, song writer & music educator .

Having represented Ireland in the international 2013 EUJazz Festival at Schoenburg Auditorium Los Angeles,her performance at the National Concert Hall Dublin garnered the accolade as one of the “Top concerts of the year” of 2013, by the Sunday Independent. and she has now earned accolades as one of the Bay Area's Jazz Treasures. She is also the creator and host of the award-winning RTE radio show "Jazz on the Bay," and her "Tribute to Anita O'Day" show earned her 4-star reviews in the International Edinburgh Festival.

Bay Area Places to Pamper Yourself: Gentlemen

Usually when you come across articles for pampering yourself or where to get a relaxing spa treatment, it's geared towards the ladies. Well, gentlemen, this article is for you! From a great shave, to the best barber, 7x7 has outlined some of the best places to go to treat yourself!

Fellow Barber's hangover treatment (Mission)
One too many negronis last night? No problem. Fellow Barber’s bargain Hangover Treatment helps to cover up evidence of too much elbow-bending. After hot and cold towel wraps, a facial scrub, and a eucalyptus mask, we’re practically good as new.

Groom's sun damage relief facial (Union Square)
For serious sun damage relief, we put ourselves in the hands of Caesar Jimenez, whose super antioxidant corrective facial helps prevent pigmentation on and below the surface of the skin. The treatment cleans and brightens the face, and also includes a moisturizing treatment for hands and arms. A must for fearless gingers who spend too much time in the sun.

J.P. Kempt's straight razor shave (Lower Haight)
Ditch your Mach3 and head to J.P. Kempt, where one soothing swipe of a sharp blade will make you appreciate the luxury of a straight-razor shave. Stylish white-smocked barbers will deftly transform your rugged mug into baby-bottom smoothness. We especially dig the soulful retro setting, which hums with good music and playful banter.

Manscaping SF's hair removal (FiDi)
Expert aesthetician Gilbert Colorina ain’t afraid of no beastly sasquatch. In his small studio on Market Street, Gil will shave or wax the wild tendrils on your chest, legs, and back. (By the way, your proverbial manhood is not verboten.) Need a drink? There’s an array of spirits on hand to help calm the nerves.

Peoples Barber Shop's haircut (TenderNob)
Bright and stylish, Peoples Barber Shop is abuzz with regulars who return for the $38 haircut and major perks—a high-lather shave, hot towel treatment with facial massage, and your choice of coffee, beer, or bourbon. This spring, the men of Downtown Oakland will be better groomed than ever with the opening of People’s second shop.

Roosters Men’s Grooming Center's "Gentlemen’s Choice" haircut + facial (San Rafael)
Who says women have all the fun? At Roosters, men are pampered in a traditional barbershop setting. For a total transformation, the Gentleman’s Choice includes the standard haircut and hot-towel treatment, plus a not-so-routine seven-step facial shave. The barber’s unsolicited advice on your golf game? Complimentary.

Waxing 4 Men's nose + ear waxing (Union Square)
With age comes wisdom—that, and hair (a lot of hair) in unfortunate places. We take care of these unsightly nose and ear stragglers at this men’s-only salon, a safe space for taming the jungle on your face (and beyond).

Etta + Billie's Vendetta IPA Soap
Ditch that pungent Irish Spring and pick up a sweet-smelling bar of Etta + Billie Vendetta IPA Soap ($10), which contains exfoliating grains from the IPA brewing process and essential oils to keep your skin moisturized. 

sf|noir Wine & Food Festival

The sf|noir Wine & Food Festival brings together black cuisine, history, culture, art and yes, wine and food. This year's festival runs from February 25 through March 1 at various locations throughout San Francisco and Oakland. the sf|noir website shares more details about this year's event:

The sf|noir Wine & Food Festival returns! Join us to celebrate Black cuisine, culture, and contributions to the arts during the last week of Black History Month. From Wednesday February 25 – Sunday March 1,2015, we will honor the region’s best in Black Cuisine, showcasing time-honored dishes with fresh adaptations from within the Diaspora. Come delight your senses as you taste the love poured into traditional dishes by featured chefs from top restaurants in the Bay Area as they provide their interpretations of African American-inspired classics. Engage your mind with our spoken word performances to see your food in ways you never knew you could. sf|noir proudly presents a sensual, playful and meaningful dialogue between you and your senses at The sf|noir Wine & Food Festival with our Shrimp, Grits & Greens event, cooking demonstrations, spoken word, live jazz and more!

The opening night of The sf|noir Wine & Food Festival combines one of sf|noir’s more popular festival events—The Shrimp & Grits Taste-Off, with Impact Hub Oakland’s popular speaker series—Grits & Greens, which focuses on issues at the intersection of food, art and technology, to bring you Shrimp, Grits & Greens. The best of these two events come together for a wonderful evening at one of Oakland’s premiere locations.

Spending Valentine's Day in SF

Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us! The city of San Francisco is always buzzing with events, fabulous food and beautiful sights. Forget to make dinner reservations? That’s okay! Surprise your significant other with something different this year! If you need some ideas, here are just some events happening in the Bay Area this weekend, courtesy of San Francisco Travel:

San Francisco Beer Week

Feb. 10-19

Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St.

http://sfbeerweek.org/

The ultimate beer-lover’s fest lasts 10 mouthwatering days, including beer hikes (you sip before you step) to women-only tastings.

The Love Train

Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 14

Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, CA

www.winetrain.com, 800-427-4124

An unforgettable, classic experience on board the Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect gift to share with your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. Prices range from $119-$164 per person and include dinner, chocolate, sparkling wine and strolling musicians.

Animal Attraction

Opens Feb. 11

California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr.

www.calacademy.org, 415-379-8000

From fish that can change sex to insects that eat their mates, explore some of the wildest mating strategies in the animal kingdom in this revealing new exhibit. Delve into the science of sex and encounter live animals that have evolved remarkable and often surprising techniques for attracting mates and producing offspring.

Valentines’ Day and Weekend at the Exploratorium

Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 14

Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St.

www.exploratorium.edu, 415-561-0363

Looking for a new Valentines’ date activity with that special someone? The Exploratorium has it covered with the Valentine’s date tour – featuring guided walks through the museum’s most romantic exhibits, film screenings and special Valentine’s Day dissection programs (flowers and cow or pig hearts).

San Francisco Zoo’s “Woo at the Zoo”

San Francisco Zoo, One Zoo Rd.

Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 14

www.sfzoo.org, 415-753-7080

Contrary to common belief, the animals will not “mate on cue” during the Zoo’s adults-only affair (21 years and older), but one will learn the many facets to the birds and the bees of the animal kingdom.

Ride with Your Valentine on a Bicycle-Built-for-2

Feb. 11-17

Bike and Roll, 899 Columbus Ave.

www.bicyclerental.com, 415-229-2000

Take your valentine on a tandem bicycle for a beautiful ride through San Francisco on the Bay Trail, over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and return by ferryboat. Daily discounted rate is $45 per day (25% off normal rate).

Castro Hosts Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years

Feb. 12–20

2278 Market Street, http://www.aidsquilt.org

Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Honoring those loved and lost over the past three decades, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. The primary Market Street exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12 to 8 p.m. A traditional unfolding ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.

Castro Hosts Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years

Feb. 12–20

2278 Market Street, http://www.aidsquilt.org

Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Honoring those loved and lost over the past three decades, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. The primary Market Street exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12 to 8 p.m. A traditional unfolding ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.

Love Hurts: Litquake Preps You for Valentine’s Day with Readings from Some of the Most Wretched Passages on Love and Lust Ever Written

Feb. 13

Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St.

http://www.litquake.org/, 415-647-2888

Litquake commemorates the year’s most overrated holiday with 10 Bay Area authors reading their favorite overwrought prose from classics by the likes of Harold Robbins and Paul Theroux as well as selections from The Story of O, and that mother ship of romance and substance abuse, Valley of the Dolls. Tickets are $10.

Eternity Ball

Feb. 14

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason

www.eternityball.com, 415-967-3977

Whether married, divorced, engaged, or single – the Eternity Ball black-tie gala has something for all to enjoy. Come dressed to impress in a ball gown, wedding or bridesmaid dresses, or tuxedo. Afterwards, join hundreds of revelers at the Festival Pavilion for a giant reception, all inclusive of cocktails, food and dancing. Tickets for the Eternity Ball start at $100 per person. Part of proceeds from the Eternity Ball will benefit the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Epic Romance Presented by BATS Improv

Feb. 14

Bayfront Theater, B350 Fort Mason Center

www.improv.org, 415-474-8935

BATS Improv presents a special Valentine's Day performance of their newest improv show, Epic Romance. Epic Romance is a sweeping and completely improvised “film”, performed live, in the style of Gone With the Wind and Doctor Zhivago. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Forever Tango

Feb. 14-19

Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street, 2nd floor

www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com, 415-771-6900

Created and directed by Luis Bravo, Forever Tango features a world-renowned cast of dancers and musicians who bring an intoxicating sense of excitement and passion to the stage. Through music and dance, the production traces the tango's colorful history, from turn-of-the-century Buenos Aires bordellos to its acceptance into high society. Tickets range in price from $45 to $70. Tickets for the special Valentine’s Day Gala (Feb. 14) are $80 and include Gala performance, post-performance dancing with the cast and orchestra of Forever Tango and two beverages.

Local Tastes of the City Valentine’s Tour

Through the month of February

www.sffoodtour.com, 415-665-0480

Tours will start in San Francisco’s most romantic neighborhood, Little Italy, to sample the food and learn how it's made. The tour includes tastes of coffee, truffles, bread and pastries, special deli treats and olive oil.

Raymond Pettibon Inspired Valentine’s Treat

Through the month of February

SFMOMA, 151 Third St.

www.sfmoma.org, 415-357-4000

Blue Bottle Coffee on the SFMOMA rooftop will serve a heart shape crème fraiche parfait with maraschino cherries and cherry brandy gelee ($5); a special dessert created just for Valentine’s Day inspired by a Raymond Pettibon painting on view at the current SFMOMA exhibition “The Air We Breathe.” Other love related artwork may be viewed on the second floor.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Fifth Floor

Feb. 7-18

12 Fourth St.

www.fifthfloorrestaurant.com, 415-348-1555

Fifth Floor is offering a special seven-course tasting menu, available for $95 (wine pairings, tax and gratuities not included). For Valentine’s Day, a special nine-course tasting menu is also available for $130.

The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel

Feb. 11-14

2 New Montgomery St.

www.sfpalace.com, 415-546-5089

Sweetheart Tea

Feb. 11

Enjoy sparkling wine tea served complete with a strolling violin. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $48.

Valentine Brunch

Feb. 12

This signature brunch includes live music, sparkling wine and an array of savories and sweets. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $75.

Sip, Sup, Swing & Sway

Feb. 14

Experience an unforgettable evening including a five-course dinner, dancing and music by the Kent Strand Band, featuring the vocals of Pamela Rose. Reservations available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 for pre fixe dinner and $100 for pre fixe dinner with wine pairing selections.

Valentine’s Dinner at Top of the Mark

Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins, www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

For $395 per couple, guests will enjoy a bottle of Moet Chandon Rosé, an appetizer and a four-course plated dinner. Diners will also enter to win the “Pack Your Bag Contest”: pack an overnight bag for a chance to spend one night in the presidential suite. Winner will be announced at the end of dinner.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company’s “Valentine’s Day by The Bay”

Feb. 11-14390 Capistrano Rd., Princeton-by-the-Sea, CA

www.hmbbrewingco.com, 650-728-2739

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, a beloved destination known for small-production craft beer, sustainable coastal cuisine, scenic outdoor patio fire pits and live music, heralds the arrival of Valentine’s Day with a special menu crafted by Chef Gaston Alfaro alongside beer pairings by Brewmaster Kirk Hillyard.

Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen

401 Taylor St., 415-775-7979

www.jasperscornertap.com/

Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration

Feb. 13

For the ultimate anti-Valentine’s celebration, Jasper’s kicks off their monthly movie nights with the showing of “True Romance” at 9 p.m. Chef Adam Carpenter’s snack menu features spicy kettle corn popcorn, chicken wings, baked Jasper’s oysters and a special “It’s not you, it’s me” cocktail

Couple’s Valentine’s Day Dinner

Feb. 14

For a fun night out, Jasper’s is offering a special menu available for $99 per couple (includes two glasses of sparkling wine, tax and gratuities). Menu highlights include Dungeness crab, oysters, lobster pot pie, baked mousse and more.

Harry Denton’s Starlight Room

Feb. 14

450 Powell St., 415-395-8595

www.harrydenton.com

Dress to impress, grab your special someone and head over to Harry Denton’s Starlight Room to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an unforgettable way. Singer/songwriter Tasche will perform hits from his new CD “A Love Worth Fighting For.” Tickets are $70 per couple and include a table, two glasses of Moet champagne and chocolate dipped long-stemmed strawberries. 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. For $10 per person, guests may enjoy the live music.

Valentine’s Day at Parallel 37

Feb. 14

The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St.

www.parallel37sf.com, 415-773-6168

Experience an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with Chef Ron Siegel’s special six-course menu at the newly-opened Parallel 37. Each couple will receive two different menus for a playful sharing experience. Tickets are $125 per guest; $79 for wine pairing. Seatings begin at 5:30 p.m.

Butterfly Restaurant

Feb. 14

Pier 33, The Embarcadero

www.butterflysf.com, 415-864-8999

Offering a four-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, guests will enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay over dinner. Dinner is $80 per person and does not include beverages, tax or gratuity.

One Market Restaurant

Feb. 14

1 Market St.

www.onemarket.com, 415-777-5577

One Market will serve a four-course dinner for $75 per person. Michelin star Chef Mark Dommen’s specialties will include dishes such as Sweetbread Ravioli, Applewood smoked bacon, Roasted Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Carmelized Apple Tart, and Calvados gelée, apple cider “slush.” The menu will also include a cheese course.

The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

Feb. 14

1000 Great Hwy.

www.beachchalet.com, 415-386-8439

The Beach Chalet will serve a special four-course a la carte limited menu which includes Oyster Rockefeller, sautéed Rosefish, Porterhouse steaks for two, crispy stuffed chicken breast, pan Seared Sonoma County duck breast and Passion fruit and Tarts. Order three or more courses and a glass of champagne is included.