March Debuts Food Photo Exhibit

Gourmet kitchen and pantry retailer, March, in San Francisco will feature an exhibition by food photographer, Paulette Tavormina.

The New York City artist creates sumptuous food photos that have the air of 17th century Old Master still-life paintings of food and flora. Tavormina styles each photograph with the utmost of detail and makes dramatic use of light.

March will display 16 of her works from March 14 to June 1.

Just think: You can take in an art show, then shop for table linens, cast iron cookware and gourmet jams to create your own tableau at home.

San Francisco International Tea Festival

Enjoy the soothing and fascinating world of tea at the San Francisco International Tea Festival, March 10 at the Ferry Building.

The event includes seminars on the history of tea in the United States, tea as medicine and the green teas of Japan. There will be plenty to taste, too.

Exhibitors include the Imperial Tea Court, owned by festival host, Roy Fong; as well as Chado, Sky Tea and Alegio Chocolate.

General admission, which includes a commemorative tote bag and ceramic tasting cup, is $20 each. Seminars are $5 each.

“Taste of the Nation” Coming to San Francisco

A bevy of stellar chefs will be featured in the Taste of the Nation event, March 21, at the Bentley Reserve in San Francisco.

Chef Michael Tusk of Quince will headline a roster of chefs from such top restaurants as Frances, State Bird Provisions and AQ.

Enjoy an evening of gourmet noshes and libations — all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit Share Our Strength’s efforts in combating childhood hunger by supporting local organizations, Three Squares and Children of Shelters.

Tickets are $125 each.

Winners of the Two Food Gal Contests

In last week’s first contest, I asked you to tell me about a memorable jerk you’ve encountered. Winner will receive three free bags of Jeff’s Famous Beef Jerky in the flavors of your choice.

Congrats to:

Nicole Shepherd, who wrote, “The jerk of my life, has to be my ex. A couple years ago I was diagnosed with organ failure an was dying in the hospital. Not only did he NOT come to the hospital when he got the news- but he decided to go on a vacation because he said I was ‘bringing him down.’ Really? Wow. True story.”

In last week’s second contest, I asked you to tell me whom you would most want to give a meaningful thank-you to. The winner will receive an 8.8-ounce assortment of Merci chocolates, along with a fun “Red Carpet Kit.” It includes four champagne flutes, popcorn containers and a list of tips for making toasts.

Congrats to:

Linda, who wrote, “I’d like to Thank my mom . . . for her being a ‘great mean Mom.’ I was at odds with her most times about almost everything. I just did not understand how come she and I saw me so differently. I did not appreciate much of anything that she taught me for so long. I knew she and my dad moved my sister and me out of SF away from all our friends to get better educations . . . that was ONE big thing I did appreciate. Now, after so many years after my Mom has been gone; I realize that her being mean was her way of teaching me to be a good person and to have a strong foundation to develop my own self. She also let me be the ‘spoiled’ daughter, trusting that I would grow into a person she would and could be proud of. I say thanks to my mom silently all the time now . . . it is too late to let her know I finally did learn what she wanted me to know in person.”

More: My Q&A with Roy Fong of the Imperial Tea Court

And: My Dinner at Quince

And: My Dinner at Frances

And: A Look at State Bird Provisions

And: A Taste of AQ