Field Notes is my monthly column where I share a few of the events and other items of note taking place in any given month. These are just a few of the food and food-adjacent events that have caught my attention in October and November.
Listening Party at Parche (Oct 20)
Well, look at that. Bad Bunny is in the news again. First for headlining the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show (which will be in Santa Clara). And now – and more closely related to food – his new album is part of a month-long listening party at Oakland’s Parche.
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Oakland’s Colombian hotspot hosts an immersive dinner that, this time, honors iconic Latin artists through music and food. The Parche Listening Party celebrates Latin culture all month long with new food and music drops each week. The week of the 20th brings Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”. It’s Bunny’s 6th album and a love letter to Puerto Rico.
Parche Chef Paul Iglesias will launch two new dishes for Bad Bunny’s residency: Tenderloin Carpaccio and Bone-In Posta Negra – but you can try all eight new Listening Party dishes during the event. Also new? A Papayazo cocktail. Think of it as a funky & savory mezcal margarita – savory, tropical, refreshing, tart.
My Taco, My Choice Competition (Oct 21)
Taking place at Merkado in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, the third edition of a lighthearted taco competition which began after the overturn of Roe v. Wade features female Bay Area chefs and supports an important cause – women’s reproductive rights – and this year, takes place as the Federal First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to allow the Trump Administration to prohibit funding for Planned Parenthood health centers delivering care to Medicaid patients in September. Uuuugggghhhhh.
Last year’s winner, Monique Lopez Feybesse, former Top Chef 19 contestant, James Beard Award 2025 semifinalist, and chef-owner of Tarts de Feybesse
returns as a judge. Ten contestants will make tacos of any cuisine or culinary culture.
Tickets: $50 in advance ($55 at the door) and includes one taco from each competing chef, plus a dessert from My Bakery, My Choice, an organization created to raise money for organizations that support access to abortion around the country.
To drink? Select and purchase from 300+ tequila and mezcal selections.
Midnight at the Masquerade (Oct 30, Nov 26)
Guests will become part of the plot as professional actors from The Murder Mystery Co. guide an evening of murderous suspense at Carlotta’s Cocktail & Wine Bar, the moody, Hitchcock-inspired hideaway inside San Francisco’s Hotel Julien.
$75 per ticket, which includes two non-alcoholic “Mystery” cocktails and reception-style food offerings. A full bar and dinner menu are also available.
And please, dress to KILL. Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!!
Equinox Experience at Ram’s Gate (as of Sept 21)
dry-aged duck on a dark plate with a swirl of sauce and tiny Tokyo turnips with greens
There is, perhaps, no better season to visit the Carneros region of Sonoma than early fall, when produce is simply gorgeous and, if you’ve never tried it, unbelievably delicious. Curated by Winemaker Joe Nielsen and Executive Chef Michael Diaz De Leon, the seasonal indulgence of five courses paired with Ram’s Gate wines should be an any eater’s bucket list.
Recent pairings included Prawn Crudo with 2017 Carneros Blanc de Noir; Tomato, Melon and Stone Fruit Salad with 2022 Estate Chardonnay; Dry-aged Duck with Cellar Note Pinot Noir; and Lamb Ragú with Cauliflower Fettucini paired with Cellar Note Red Wine Blend.
$185 per person, all-in
Palio’s 3-Course Menu Celebrates 35 Years (ASAP)
One of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco, Palio in the FiDi, is a classic Italian trattoria in all the best ways. This year, they are honoring their 35th year in business (crazy) with a 35 dollar menu (also crazy).
From now until November 26 and only in the bar and lounge, stop in for plates of Romana Salad or Salumi before transitioing to Pasta con Ragú Napoletana or Pasta al Salmone. Dessert is Tiramisu.
Did I mention its only $35?!?!?!? This calls for a Bellini– pronto! Y salute!
Monday – Friday 2 – 6 p.m.
Saturday 5 – 8 p.m.
