Some have Thanksgiving, others have National Grilled Cheese Day, for the SF Elite it's the 80th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. Raising money for the SF Historical Society, Elites and guests came dressed as either their favorite SF icon (hello there Brown Sisters, Bruce Lee & Fog) or in speakeasy-era attire.
Entering in the historic Burritt Alley, down a few flights of stairs through the back door they found a private room with the live jazz by Dillan Rider Group and libational revelry. From the Burritt Room + Tavern's kitchen came true American food, from deviled eggs to hamburgers and crab cakes.
Berlinetta Lounge, while private, opens on Friday nights for their Berlinetta Playlist nights featuring craft cocktails by the aforementioned Brian & Mo.
Michelangelo S takes it away:
"There was booze aplenty because what else would you expect from a Prohibition-busting celebration? The libations included revolutionary ales by Sam Adams, Boston Beer & Angry Orchard cider, cocktails by Gruppo Campari, such as Wild Turkey 101, Espolon Tequila, Appleton Rum & an array of Campari cocktails. And besides an amazing assortment of various wine & beer, there was also cocktails concocted at the lounge by Bartenders Brian & Mo. These amazing creations included tonight drinks from the Prohibition Speakeasy times, such as:
(1) The Hot Hazel Nut Rum cocktail – Appleton Rum, Chai Tea, Nutella & Butter Compote;
(2) The Cee-Lo-Ever-Green – Rosemary & Thyme INFUSED-Tequila, with Lemon, Yellow Chartruese and Dolin Blanc;
(3) The Santa-Hattan – Wild Turkey 101, Pear Liquor, Carpano Antiqua, Madiera and Peychaud Bitters;
(4) The Amer-i-can – Compari, Cocchi Rose, Crème De Cacao, and soda water;
(5) The Long Neck Lucky Draw – Sam Adams, Hard Ciders and other bottled goodness brews.
Tonight's awesome celebration of Constitutional Correction was hosted by the Berlinetta Lounge ("Belinetta" is Italiano for "Little Saloon") inside Burritt Room & Tavern on the Grand Lobby Floor of the wondrous Mystic Hotel near Union Square hood. And all for a great cause: to support the work & mission of the San Francisco Historical Society that provides much of the cultural framework that makes this beautiful city so sought after by millions of people worldwide."
Jon A
*****
More on the venue host:
Like a private club, guests at Charlie Palmer's Burritt Room + Tavern located in the Mystic Hotel enjoy handcrafted cocktails and modern tavern cuisine in a sophisticated speakeasy environment. The film-noir inspired bar and restaurant – named after Burritt Alley in The Maltese Falcon – features walled-in and curtained booths, creating dark corners for intimate socializing and enjoying the creative, seasonal menu from Chef Luke Knox. Select menu items include White Truffle Risotto with Shaved Urbani White Truffle; Chicken Liver Tartine with Mushroom Conserva and Poached Persimmons; and Quince-Braised Beef Short Rib with River Dog Farms Sugar Pie Pumpkin.
Berlinetta Lounge (Italian for "little saloon") is San Francisco's premier event space, embodying both classic charm and modern sophistication. Located on the lobby floor, the Lounge offers a versatile canvass for private soirees that feature expertly-mixed cocktails and outstanding culinary offerings from Burritt Room + Tavern. Continuing in 2014, the Lounge will serve as the location for Berlinetta Playlist – a weekly event taking place every Friday, featuring local DJs, punchbowl bottle service sponsored by Belvedere, and small bites from Chef Luke.
