Gourmet on Hayes: Summer/Fall Dates

Hungry for an off-the-beaten path San Francisco gourmet food experience? Join us as we explore one of the citys trendy and exciting new neighborhoods, Hayes Valley. We will talk about the origins of California cuisine as we visit restaurants that were among the first to offer seasonal, local, market based menus. You will taste artisan cheeses, breads and salumi from California chefs who were not afraid to challenge bland, processed supermarket foods. As you participate in a fine tea tasting, compare single origin chocolates and learn to read a sake label, youll gain an appreciation for a distinct neighborhood that most tourists never see.
As we stroll past elegant Victorians and the San Francisco Zen Center, youll learn about the history of this neighborhood one where celebrity chefs coexist with Zen priests and coffee cult fanatics. Youll taste and chat with other food-loving guests, and leave the tour with a host of restaurant recommendations and discounts for your next trip back to Hayes Valley.
OVERVIEW Of TOUR
Your generous food tastes will come from:
* A peaceful yet sophisticated tea lounge that serves some of the finest teas in the world
* A chic cafe that offers gourmet Belgian fries with 22 different dipping sauces
* A charming European-style confiserie filled with old-fashioned candy and handmade, organic cakes and confections
* An artisanal chocolate boutique, featuring Food \& Wines #1 chocolate bar of the year
* A contemporary patisserie dedicated solely to perfecting the Parisian macaron, dubbed by food writers as "the next cupcake."
* A French inspired garden café serving gourmet cheese, salads, sandwiches and wine.
* A modern tiki bar featuring artisanal exotic cocktails from some of San Franciso's finest mixologists (afternoon tours only)
We will also visit the first dedicated sake boutique in America (no tasting here), with over 220 beautiful Japanese sakes in stock.
TOUR Includes
* A 3 hour walking tour of the Hayes Valley neighborhood. Walk is mostly flat and approximately 1 mile long.
* All food tastings at 7 different stops please arrive with an appetite!
* Background on California cuisine, including cheese, charcuterie, tea, chocolate and sake
* Historical, cultural and architectural insights on the Hayes Valley neighborhood
* Guidance on other exceptional food experiences in the city
Coming soon - The Gourmet on Hayes card, entitling you to discounts and VIP treatment at several neighborhood shops