Most Muni fares will go up on July 1. Under the current plan, adult cash fares will increase from $1.50 to $2. Discounted fares for seniors, the disabled and youth will increase by a quarter, to 75 cents. Also, on July 1, the cost of a monthly Fast Pass will increase $10 to $55 and another $5 on January 1, 2010. Discounted Fast Passes will rise from $10 to $15 on July 1 and $5 more next May. As of this report, Muni Visitor Passports, which are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars, are not schedule for price increase. 1,day ($11), 3-day ($18)and 7-day ($24) Passports are good for one full day or three or seven consecutive days. Passports may be purchased in advance. Visit sfmuni for information.
In addition to the fare increases, Muni plans to eliminate or scale back some bus lines and enhance service on others to mitigate those cuts. Check back for more updates.

A stand-out winery in Sonoma is Imagery Estate Winery, located in Glen Ellen at 14335 Highway 12. It all started with a guy named Joe…No, not the plumber, Joe Benziger of Benziger Family Winery. After a few years of helping his family make large production wines for their Benzinger Family Winery, Joe decided that there were some vineyard lots that were just too good to get lost in a big blend. He set out to showcase these special vineyard sites in a series of small artisan wines. White wines from Imagery include Viognier, White Burgundy, WOW Oui (Sauvignon Blanc with a kiss of Muscat), and Pinot Gris. Red wines include Lagrein (a little known red wine varietal native to northwestern Italy’s Trentino region), Mourvedre, Barbera, Grenache, Malbec, and Petite Verdot, along with better known Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernets (Franc and Sauvignon) and Merlot.
Plus, their labels feature artwork commissioned from among the world’s most notable contemporary artists. The collection, of 200+ pieces and growing, is on permanent display in our tasting room gallery.
As they say at Imagery, “You might not be able to pronounce everything we pour, but trust us, you’ll remember every last drop.”
For more information, visit their website, imagerywinery.com.

Americano at Hotel Vitale is now offering “Depression Era Cocktails” – served 4-6 p. and 10pm–midnight, Saturday – Wednesday.

The Depression Era Cocktail menu is:
$5 glasses of red & white wine
$3 bottled beer
$6 Depression Era Cocktails including:
- Americano
- Sidecar
- Vodka Collins
- Aviator
- Whiskey Sour

$3 Antipasta Appetizers – (4 – 6 pm) including:
- Roasted Bell Peppers
- Grilled Asparagus
- Cipollini Onions with Balsamico
- Spicy Roasted Cashews
- Roasted Almonds
- Funghi Marinati
- Marinated Olives
- Heritage Meatballs

Americano is located at 8 Mission Street. Call 415) 278-3777 or go to www.americanorestaurant.com for more information.

One of San Francisco’s newest wine lounges, Enoteca Musto, will be hosting a series of summer winemaker-hosted events by pairing chef Robert Carr’s tapas-style savories with a variety of boutique wines. Pairing events begin at 6pm; price is $25 per person for three food and wine pairings, as detailed below. Reservations recommended as space is limited.

Wednesday, June 10 — Boëté Wines with winemaker John Saunders. The pairings include Tourchon of Foie Gras with sweet & sour cherries served with 2004 Estate Boëté Cabernet Franc Reserve; Seared Kobe Beef with Rouge Oregonzola & grilled Levin served with 2003 Estate Boëté Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; and Peru Chocolate Turffle served with 2003 Estate Boëté Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wednesday, July 8 — Riverstar Wines. Pairings include Humboldt Fog cheese & roasted beets served with 2004 Syrah Paso Robles; Spicy Ahi Tartar served with 2006 Sauvignon Blanc; and Warm chocolate truffle cake with 2005 Estrella Brilliante.

Wednesday, August 19 — Quintessa. Enjoy Cambozola, organic prosciutto & fig served with Veramonte Pinot Noir; Point Reyes Blue cheese & caramelized onion tart paired with 2005 Faust Cabernet; and Citrus Lavendar honey truffle with 2006 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc.

Enoteca Musto is located at the Wharf at Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, 555 North Point, in San Francisco. For additional information and reservations, call 415-486-4346.

On May 19, a new Farmers Market will be taking place daily at Metreon Center. The Island Earth Farmers Market, San Francisco’s only indoor Farmers Market, will be open dail and feature specialized local growers and food producers as well as artisan craftsmen selected for their exceptional quality of products, unique regional taste, natural growing practices and year to year consistency. The growers represented have stated that they are committed to producing fresh healthy foods, and practice sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming principles, and selling the finest fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry and meat free of pesticides, toxins and only a few hours off the farm. The Market is open daily, Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm. The Market organizers will have a schedule of ongoing events including musical performances, topical entertainment, authors and speakers, sampling, coffee Cuppings and wine tasting.

Metreon Center is located at 101 4th Street. The nearest parking is at The 5th and Mission/Yerba Buena Garage at the corner of Fifth and Mission. BART, MUNI, and Amtrak all provide public transportation option to get to Metreon. Visit the website, islandearthfarmersmarket.org, for more information.