Side Dish

... and the Winner Is ...
Harry rubbed shoulders with all sorts of local restaurant luminaries at the first annual Restaurant Marketing 2000 Symposium sponsored by Susie Biehler and Co. at the Nikko. Seminars included discussions on concept and brand development and using new media to promote your restaurant. Harry (the other one), Gordon, Gavin, and Joey were among the panelists, trading ideas with 250 attendees. The S.F. Food Bank Community Service Awards and cocktails followed the educational day and Grace-Ann did a bang-up job as MC (Hiya, Gracie -- long time no see!). Awards went to Roland Passot (Outstanding Contributions to a Social Cause), Jan Birnbaum and John Cunin (Lifetime Changing the World Award for Longtime Contributions), Robert Helstrom (Outstanding Contribution in the Fight Against Hunger), and Sylvie LeMer (Unsung Hero Award for Outstanding Personal Commitment). You guys are the best.

Getchyer Peanuts
If you were wondering why all the foodies were in town, you must have missed the 10th annual Bon Appetit Wine and Spirits show last weekend. Thirty restaurants and tons of wineries set up in the One Market Pavilion to display their best sides to attendees. Laurent Manrique from Campton Place had a great table, while George Marrone outdid himself again. As usual, Far Niente was the first to run out of its grapey elixir.

Wagging Tongues
Time to venture back down to the end of Van Ness: A much-needed spring cleaning and face-lift have transformed the tired old Mick's Lounge into Tongue and Groove. Don't be afraid of the new name -- live music and dancing will prevail, with a more modern, laid-back vibe. Ron and Holly Kirkpatrick, partners in Polk Street's Tonic, are the masterminds behind the transformation. Grand opening is this Friday.

Celebrity Meat
Beautiful but challenged Keanu Reeves and gamine-with-an-edge Charlize Theron are in San Francisco shooting Sweet November for Warner Bros. I'm sure the film will be great and all -- but Harry and his readers don't want to hear about the plot and locations. We need to know the most important facts: Where are they eating?

Know something Harry doesn't? E-mail Coverte@aol.com and sweep the dirt out from under the rug.