By Mary Swift-Swan

Sur La Table has a store at the Ferry Market Plaza. It is smaller than their store in Berkeley but is so convenient and like all Sur La Table stores has a fabulous array of gifts for your favorite chef. There are also many events year round to attend at one and all Sur La Table locations such as the recent "Feast with Friends, a Market Place Tasting." The event brought out the food producers, family farmers, chefs teaming up to showcase the Bay Area bounty and culinary talent. Many well known chefs such as were Annie Somerville of Greens Restaurant working with Happy Quail serving Roasted fall vegetable empanada with chilies pumpkin seeds and St George Cheddar. Paul Arenstam with Knoll Farm produce served Stuffed quajillo peppers with Feta and Toasted almonds that was fabulous much enjoyed of the 12 wonderful dishes. The simple appetizer that tasted just grand was Thom Fox (seen with his chef partner and wife above) with Marin Sun Farms grassfed beef, serving Tenderloin steak tartar. Libations were provided by Frei Brothers Reserve. Gallo has come a long way. All of the 5 varietal wines were most well received and complimented the wines and evening beautifully.

In December at the Ferry Market Plaza Sur La Table will have on December 5-6 Celebrity Chef, Sharon O’Connor: Menus & Music, CD & Books will be at Sur La Table, in Berkeley on the 5th, and at Ferry Market Plaza on the 6th, 3:00-5:00 pm. Bistro, Tasting Wine, Museum Cafes, Rock & Roll Diner and now her new gift box set Dining at Great American Lodges. Sharon O’Connor is a musician, cook, and author who combines her love of music, food, and travel in the Menus and Music series of cookbooks with music recordings. The recipes in each cookbook are from the best restaurants, inns, resorts and lodges in the world, from Venice to Hawaii. There will be book signing, music from her new CD and cooking demonstration with tasting samples from her newest book. For details call Phone 415 262-9970

If looking for a gift for you favorite chef, consider the new silicone heat and wet proof mitts. The perfect thing to turn a hot turkey if roasting upside down in a cool 325 degree oven. A whole lot better than wads of paper towels.