Today is Shop Local First at Union Square and from 10 am until 5 pm there will be more than 40 participating businesses selling their wares on the square. During the day local business owners will be awarded "Most Innovative Entrepreneurs of 2006". The awards, which are sponsored by the San Francisco Mayor's Office, the SF Small Business Commission and Business Alliance for Local Living Economies will be given to five business owners, including the owners of Farmer Brown restaurant and Sellers Markets cafes and catering services. Finally, dining and shopping you can feel good about.

On Sunday there are three events I plan to check out. The first is Cuisines of Southeast Asia, tasting and discussion. Thy Tran will moderate a discussion with authors James Oseland who wrote Cradle of Flavor and Andrea Nguyen who wrote Into the Vietnamese Kitchen. Since I reviewed both of those books, how could I miss it? It is from 2-3 pm at the Asian Art Museum and admission is free after entrance.

By now you've probably heard about the tragic car crash that killed one person and injured two who worked at Bar Crudo. From noon until 6 p.m. Bar Crudo is holding a benefit with a sliding scale $10 - 25 during which time they will be serving oysters, crudo, wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres. Hog Island Oyster Company has generously donated 800 oysters to be served at this event, and Range, and Le Petit Robert have also donated food. This is a fabulous place and a really great way to lend a hand.

Finally swing by Cafe Royale where Alison McQuade of chutney fame will be sampling her wares starting at 6:30 pm. There will also be cheese and wine, so stop by for a bite, a drink, and say hi. Did I mention chutney makes a great holiday gift? Last year I bought 5 jars!

FOOD