With the arrival of San Francisco’s “Indian Summer,” we are blessed with warmer mornings and the opportunity for very pleasant A.M. outings. For those looking for a new brunch spot to add to the weekend rotation, we have you well covered with Shakewell in Oakland and Causwells in San Francisco.

Shakewell’s Chef Jen Beisty has designed a deliciously adventurous brunch menu unlike any other, with dishes such as Poached Eggs on Falafel Cake with Spanish chorizo and romesco sauce and an "Octodog" (octopus tentacle hot dog) with olive salad, saffron aioli and chips. For those with a morning sweet tooth, Tim Nugent has added his flair for sweets to the menu, with items such as the Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake (photo). The creative menu extends to the brunch cocktails, with beverages such as the Morning Glory Fizz with gin, absinthe, lemon, orange blossom water, egg white and cava. 

 
Causwells, the new deco-inspired restaurant on Chestnut St., has also recently opened up for brunch. At this popular American bistro Chef Adam Rosenblum offers a savory brunch menu featuring comfort foods such as Buttermilk Biscuits with sausage gravy, French Toast Bites and Pastrami Hash. Along with your hearty morning meal, try one of their Giant Mimosas to cure any lingering hangover. Not a morning person? Not to worry, Causwells is open late for brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Then right after brunch you can take a stroll on the Marina Green or take a nap (er, take in a matinee) next door at Presidio Theater.

Crush Party in Napa Valley
For all of our wine enthusiasts, head up to Napa Valley for an event that you can really sink your toes into. V. Sattui Winery is hosting their annual Crush Party, featuring an old-fashioned grape crush where guests participate in traditional barefoot grape stomping! During this fabulous open-house event, attendees also learn about the winemaking process from start to finish, while 45 different wines are available for sampling along with appetizers and small plates. Join the V. Sattui staff as they celebrate the annual grape harvest season and welcome the new vintage. The event takes place on Saturday, October 4, from 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase for $85 at www.vsattui.com/Crush-Party.              
 
Pumpkins and Brew in Half Moon Bay 
On the Coastside, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is celebrating the harvest season in a different style—with pumpkins. In addition to a pumpkin menu served throughout October and two new pumpkin beers, they are hosting their inaugural Harvest Pumpkin Dinner on October 7, with pumpkins fashioned into every dish of a four-course feast in palate-pleasing harmony with a variety of autumn beers. Prepared by Chef Gaston Alfaro, the menu includes items such as Pumpkin Bisque and Homemade Gingersnap Crust Pumpkin Cheesecake. Just here for the beer? The event also celebrates the unveiling of their brand new Imperial Pumpkin Ale alongside their annual Mavericks Pumpkin Harvest Ale. What better way to honor fall than with a delicious harvest feast? Tickets are $75 and are available on the website.

 

And for those who prefer to raise a glass in cheers to their autumnal spirit, the inaugural Coastside Brewfest takes place on October 25 from 1-5 p.m. Enjoy the weather at this outdoor event featuring an array of different brews while giving back, as a portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Coastside Hope, an organization helping to provide food, clothing and support to neighbors in need. The event will feature tastes from some of the best Bay Area breweries including Hop Dogma, Highway 1, Drakes, Marin, Moylan’s, 21st Amendment and others. Off the Grid food trucks will also be there to offer local specialties and sustainable coastal cuisine, in case you get hungry. Tickets are $35 at the door and $25 online.