The San Francisco Brewers Guild held its 2nd annual Slow Beer Festival on March 1, 2008 in the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park, right next to the entrance to Botanical Garden. The event was co-sponsored by Slow Food San Francisco, the local chapter of Slow Food USA, itself a part of the international Slow Food, which was founded in Italy in 1986. Slow Food believes “that the food we eat should taste good; that it should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health; and that food producers should receive fair compensation for their work.” The idea is to pair San Francisco’s local brewers with the locally made foods and explore different tastes from pairing each together in a variety of ways.

It was a clear, sunny day as I drove into San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Magnolia owner Dave McLean and his family, having just finished an interview, met me near the entrance to the festival.

It was a good size hall, light and airy, and not too crowded. The event had sold out but we didn’t feel overly packed throughout the day.

Justine or Gabby with Shaun O’Sullivan and Jesse Houck, all from 21st Amendment Brewery.

Me with Arne Johnson, head brewer at Marin Brewing and a fashion maven.

Thirsty Bear brewermaster Brenden Dobel and his posse.

Most of the food was outside in a courtyard, which took advantage of the stellar weather.

Where I found Christian and Nat from Monk’s Kettle.

The Fatted Calf was serving these huge and delicious sausages.

Fifteen is my limit on schnitzengruben.

Hog Island Oyster Co. brought a bunch of their yummy oysters that paired especially well with Magnolia’s Oyster Stout, among others.

Thirsty Bear created these wonderful little toothpick skewered gems of mushrooms, from the King of Mushrooms, and goat cheese from Bravo Farms drizzled with a handmade salsa. Damn, it was tasty.

Back in the beer hall, I hid in a corner for awhile, chatting with Dave (pictured obliviously center above) Suurballe’s wife Honoria …

And Natalie Cilurzo, from Russian River, and Arne Johnson, again from Marin Brewing.

Toward the end of the day, Ian Marks (from Hog Island Oyster Co.), Taylor Boetticher (from the Fatted Calf), Dave McLean (from Magnolia), John Tucci (from Gordon Biersch San Francisco) and Shaun O’Sullivan (from 21st Amendment).