I hope you are all checking out my Bay Area Food Events calendar (the Google calendar in the right hand column) from time to time. I focus on fun and affordable events. That said, sometimes there are some fantastic events supporting worthy causes that I do believe you should consider attending. These three range in price from $40 t0 $169 and are coming up soon. Hope to see you there!

April 18, 2010
Noon - 4:30 PM
Fort Mason Center
A Taste of Tamales By The BayFeaturing tamales and premium tequilas. Also tastes of heirloom beans, specialty nuts, coffee and more. Tickets are $40 online. Vendors include Cocina Poblana, my favorite tamal seller, La Espiga de Oro, Rancho Gordo, The Tamal Factory and more! Tickets raise funds for Benchmark Institute, a training and performance development organization dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of legal services to low-income communities.

April 22, 2010
5:00 - 7:00 PM VIP Tasting $169
7:00 - 10:00 PM Grand Tasting (Included with VIP purchase) $89
Taste of the TownWar Memorial Opera House
This event will feature over 500 wines and spirits plus dishes from 30 top San Francisco restaurants, a stellar opportunity to sample superlative wines and foods while benefiting the S.F. Food Bank. Participating restaurants include �toile at Domaine Chandon, Farallon Restaurant, Chez Papa Resto, Cindy Pawlcyn�s Backstreet Kitchen and Le Mar Cebicheria Peruana.
Tickets can be purchased online.

April 29th, 2010
VIP Admission 5:30 to 9:30 PM $140
General Admission 6:30 to 9:30 PM $85
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation AT&T Ball Park Club Level?
This event features top chefs and mixologists and a gourmet extravaganza. Sample tastes from 40+ of the finest chefs in San Francisco including Steffan Terje of barbacco, Jennifer Biesty of Scala�s Bistro, Mark Sullivan of Spruce, Matthew Accarrino of SPQR, Hoss Zar� of Zar� at Fly Trap and many more. Indulge in signature cocktails from local mixologists and taste wines from around California. 100% of ticket sales go to Share our Strength.