Like food? Like San Francisco? Whether you're in the restaurant industry, or just enjoy learning more about the biz (and eating great food), it's worth the short drive to the Bay Area this week for SF Chefs 2010, a food and wine event held at Union Square and the Westin St. Francis Hotel where chefs, wine makers and distillers are offering an exploration of taste featuring local products.

In addition to tasting local delights, attendees can partake of classes and seminars that offer interactive opportunities for the public to participate with local farmers, ranchers, chefs, winemakers, distillers, media, luminaries, authors, vintners, mixologists and culinary experts.

The event officially kicks off with SF Chefs 2010 Restaurant Week, running August 9 through 15. August 10 through 13, those in the biz can attend industry seminars covering topics including hospitalitarianism, the whole hog, pairing food and wine with your eyes, the future of food media, and more. August 13 through 15, the general public can attend consumer seminars discussing topics such as the evolution and revolution of gin; agave, tequila and the margarita; New Zealand wines paired with modern Asian food; Lodi ABZ's; East meets West; and more.

Don't miss the Hog in the Fog Opening Party on Union Square on August 13, Top Chef Happy Hour August 14, and Fork it Over Foodraiser 2010, also on August 14. Get your fill at the Grand Tasting Tent August 14 and 15, and don't miss the free Williams-Sonoma and Macy's cooking demos.

Tickets for SF Chefs 2010 are available online here (all attendees must be 21 or older). Tickets include access to the Grand Tasting Tent and features presentations and demonstrations by Bay Area chefs, winemakers, Master Sommeliers, and brewers.

by Juliet Farmer