Barbecues San Francisco

July Test Kitchen 🐟

Cooks! The July Test Kitchen is happening on Sunday the 19th in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood. This month’s Test Kitchen challenge—should you choose to accept it—is seafood. Where my pescatarians at? We’re talking salmon filets, Thai coconut mussels, octopus carpaccio, shrimp and corn fritters, miso-glazed black cod, oyster po’ boys, seafood paella, crab curry, or whatever has been haunting your wet—I mean, briny—dreams. As always, this is a *test kitchen*, not a potluck. The goal is experimentation. Make something you’ve never made before, something ambitious, weird, technically challenging, or just deeply intriguing to you. Maybe it works beautifully. Maybe the scallops become tiny hockey pucks. Either way, you’ll be among friends, and occasional culinary catastrophes are part of the fun. Please post your dish at least two weeks before the Test Kitchen. Head to the event’s Comments section and let the other cooks know what you’re planning to make and we’ll collectively build the world’s gayest seafood tower. Bring curiosity, appetite, and perhaps a lemon wedge! Check out pics from past Test Kitchens on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gay_mens_test_kitchen_?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) and [Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/groups/1492243648833251/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF).

Cocktails and Tech Happy Hour at Hotel Spero Bar Esper SF | July 22, 2026

Join us for our Cocktails and Tech Happy Hour on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 from 6PM to 8PM PDT at Hotel Spero Bar Esper SF **The Professional Connector** next **Cocktails and Tech Happy Hour** is on **Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 from 6PM to 8PM PDT** at **Bar Esper**([https://www.barespersf.com/](https://www.barespersf.com/)), **Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG** located at **405 Taylor Street, San Francisco, California.** Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore new opportunities, or simply unwind after work, this mixer offers the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and connections. We look forward to an evening of networking, great drinks, and engaging conversations at Hotel Spero Bar Esper San Francisco. RSVP Now for $12 Early Bird Tickets while avialable. General Ticket is $15. Early registration is encouraged. **RSVP NOW: [https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com](https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com/)** ***RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee admission!*** **Note #1**: If you are feeling sick, have a cough, cold, fever, or any other symptoms, please stay home and join us at a future event when you are feeling better. **Note #2:** We are grateful to our host venue for welcoming our group. Please support them by purchasing at least one drink and, if possible, some food, and by tipping generously. Our Cocktails and Tech Happy Hour events are where young professionals, startup professionals, executives, tech leaders, and more meet, relax, and have a good time making connections after work. Interested in meeting amazing professionals? Come to the beautiful Hotel Spero Bar Esper in San Francisco and be ready to build relationships, expand your network, and have a great time! This is a great opportunity to find new connections and meet new people in general. Regardless of your industry level, or your industry you are welcomed to join us. RSVP Now for $12 Early Bird Tickets while avialable. General Ticket is $15. Early registration is encouraged. **RSVP NOW: [https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com](https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com/)** ***RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee admission!*** Our attendees work at companies such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Google, ZeroCater, Coffee Meets Bagel, Redfin, Google, Comcast Ventures, Oracle, Salesforce, GoPro, Sequoia Real Estate, DoorDash, Hyatt Regency, BlueCart, Kaiser Permanente, IBM, Genentech, Deloitte, Nestle, Accenture, HP, Intel, Amazon, Lyft, Facebook, HSBC, Capegimini, Yelp, J.P. Morgan and more. [The Professional Connector](https://professionalconnector.com/) has hosted successful events with well-known sponsors and partners. Based on the type of event we reach out to different partners we have worked with in the past and are always looking for new sponsors. Our previous Partners and Sponsors have included such companies as WP Engine, Instapage, vCita, General Assembly, Constant Contact, Yelp, WeWork, Diablo Magazine, SF Business Times, Lyft, Uber and more. To learn more about our Sponsorship Opportunities, call us today at 510-761-5895 or visit our website [www.ProfessionalConnector.com/Sponsors/](https://www.professionalconnector.com/sponsors/) The Professional Connector proudly hosts our first partnership networking event with **Bar Esper** ([https://www.barespersf.com/](https://www.barespersf.com/)) a beautifully restored historic hotel, **Hotel Spero, Vignette Collection by IHG** ([https://www.hotelspero.com/](https://www.hotelspero.com/)) located in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Blending timeless architecture with modern style and sophistication, Bar Esper offers the perfect setting for networking, socializing, and creating meaningful connections in an inviting and upscale atmosphere. Enjoy an evening connecting with professionals, entrepreneurs, and new friends in a vibrant space designed for both conversation and community. With its elegant interiors, welcoming ambiance, and distinctive San Francisco charm, Bar Esper provides an ideal backdrop for after-work mixers and memorable networking experiences. Conveniently located near Union Square, the Financial District, and San Francisco’s major business and tech hubs, Hotel Spero Bar Esper is a favorite destination for professionals and social gatherings alike. **Located at 405 Taylor Street, San Francisco, California.** We can’t wait to see you! RSVP Now for $12 Early Bird Tickets while avialable. General Ticket is $15. Early registration is encouraged. **RSVP NOW: [https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com](https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com/)** ***RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee admission!*** **MEET THE PROFESSIONAL CONNECTOR/EVENT HOST - David Mitroff, PhD** David is a sought-after Business Growth Strategist who shares his secrets for creating successful brands that stand out and thrive. David inspires business professionals through his keynote talks on a wide range of topics such as how to build a brand with data-driven marketing, digital leadership: growing your online presence, and the psychology behind building professional connections. **David Mitroff, Ph.D.** ([www.DavidMitroff.com](https://www.davidmitroff.com/)) is the Founder and Chief Consultant at Piedmont Avenue Consulting ([www.PiedmontAve.com](https://www.piedmontave.com/)). David questions assumptions, offers creative ideas, and encourages new initiatives from strategy through implementation. David’s wealth of knowledge is transferred to clients leading to heightened sales, increased customer experiences, and enhanced relationship building techniques. David has an extensive educational background, in addition to professional sales training, which includes a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with coursework in Business Administration, Legal Studies, and Marketing, providing a foundation for excellent critical and analytical thinking, business strategy, relationship building, and networking. [Piedmont Avenue Consulting](https://piedmontave.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) helps businesses grow through strategic consulting, marketing, and business development services across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our [Business Consulting](https://piedmontave.com/consulting/) services support companies with growth strategies, operational guidance, and scalable solutions to improve performance and drive long-term success. We also provide [Hotel Marketing Services](https://piedmontave.com/hotel-marketing/) designed to help hotels, resorts, boutique properties, and hospitality brands increase visibility, attract more direct bookings, and strengthen their market presence. Our strategies focus on enhancing online presence, improving guest acquisition, and driving sustainable growth through targeted digital marketing, branding, content creation, SEO, and advertising solutions tailored to the hospitality industry. Through our [Restaurant Marketing](https://piedmontave.com/restaurant-marketing/) services, we help restaurants, bars, and hospitality brands attract customers and boost revenue with targeted marketing strategies. In addition, our [Event Marketing](https://piedmontave.com/event-marketing/) services create engaging networking events and brand experiences that generate exposure, build connections, and create new business opportunities. Contact us at [www.PiedmontAve.com](http://www.piedmontave.com/), and let’s create a customized plan to elevate your business success. Throughout his career, Dr. Mitroff has served as an instructor for several reputable colleges such as the University of California at Berkeley, in addition to being a featured media expert for NBC, ABC, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Washington Post, Hospitality Technology, Hospitality Net and more. David has also written books on[ Online Business Growth Strategies](https://davidmitroff.com/marketing-book/), [Law Firm Business Growth Strategies](https://piedmontave.com/law-firm-business-growth-strategies/), [The Event Effect](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beers-and-biotech-at-curry-pizza-house-south-san-francisco-may-21-2026-tickets-1988643270555?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true), and more! If you're looking for a business consultant, keynote speaker, executive coach, or marketing expert, schedule a FREE call with David Mitroff Ph.D. to get started! RSVP Now for $12 Early Bird Tickets while avialable. General Ticket is $15. Early registration is encouraged. **RSVP NOW: [https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com](https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com/)** ***RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee admission!*** [The Professional Connector](http://www.professionalconnector.com/). A vision of [Piedmont Avenue Consulting, Inc.](http://www.piedmontave.com/) We organize and promote hundreds of Bay Area business networking and social mixers to specifically target Business Strategies and Small Medium Business Enterprises and provide industry professionals with a chance to make new business and personal connections, build their network, find new clients, and expand their business. We bring the SF Bay Area working community together and strive to promote positive business relationships. **Frequently Asked Questions** **Why Attend?** Looking to expand your professional network in the Bay Area entrepreneurial and business community? Our Cocktails and Tech Happy Hour is the perfect place to meet founders, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, marketers, and professionals from a wide range of industries. Exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, discover new opportunities, and stay connected with what’s happening in the local business scene — all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. **Who Usually Attends?** Our events attract a diverse mix of professionals, including entrepreneurs, investors, consultants, marketers, recruiters, business owners, and creatives. Attendance can range from intimate gatherings to larger mixers with hundreds of attendees. No matter the size, the environment is always friendly, social, and easy to network in. Event hosts will also be available throughout the evening to help introduce guests and keep conversations flowing. **What Should I Bring?** Bring business cards and be ready to share your LinkedIn profile or contact information. Networking events move quickly, so having an easy way to connect after the event helps turn conversations into lasting professional relationships. **Is There a Dress Code?** Business casual is recommended. Whether you’re coming from work or meeting friends afterward, we encourage attendees to dress polished and professional. Photos and videos may be taken during the event, so it’s a great opportunity to make a strong impression. **What’s on the Menu?** Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and beverages available throughout the evening at **Hotel Spero Bar Esper San Francisco**. Sip, unwind, and connect in a stylish atmosphere while enjoying drinks designed to elevate your networking experience. **Want to Expand Your Network?** Whether you’re looking for new partnerships, career opportunities, business ideas, clients, or simply a fun and productive way to spend your evening, this mixer is designed to help you connect with ambitious and like-minded professionals. Invite your colleagues, friends, or team members and join us for an evening of networking, conversations, and community at Hotel Spero Bar Esper San Francisco. RSVP Now for $12 Early Bird Tickets while avialable. General Ticket is $15. Early registration is encouraged. **RSVP NOW: [https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com](https://cocktails-and-tech-hotel-spero.eventbrite.com/)** ***RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee admission!***

Summer Bar-B-Q Potluck and Garden Party

Hi Friends We are having a Summer Bar-B-Q, potluck, garden Party hosted by one of our members, Elyce. Join us for a lovely afternoon by the creek in North Berkeley. Please bring something to BBQ and something to share. Attendance is limited and gender balanced so sign up early. Address will provided to confirmed attendees a few days before the event.

Barefoot Lake Merritt loop - 1st Sundays at 8:30 am

We meet weekly Rain or Shine! 3.1 miles around Lake Merritt. No runner left behind. Very barefootable surfaces. If you can run 3 miles in shoes then you can probably do this barefoot. Runners in shoes and sandals are welcome too. We gather at 8:30 AM and start our run around 8:40 AM. If people are into it we'll go to have a coffee afterwards at nearby Lakeview Cafe. Meet us there even if you miss the run!

S.F. Sunset new best kitchen

IIBA Bay Area Chapter - Summer Picnic and BBQ

Come celebrate our 5th anniversary with us! We invite our community of business analysis professionals in the Bay Area to come join us at an outdoor picnic and barbecue and enjoy great food/drink and company. We'll supply burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, and all the fixings and supplies, as well as waters and sodas. And feel free to bring the family as well, as there is a kids' playground on the premises! Parking is on-premises and close to the picnic area. \*\*EVENT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION: https://bayarea.iiba.org/events/iiba-bay-area-5th-anniversary-summer-picnic-and-bbq/

Family style dinner at Soi 4

We had a fun time eating family style in May, so I thought I'd try it again this month @ Soi 4 in Oakland. " Like the city, our menu is a modern take on the traditional through the use of fresh local ingredients, sustainable practice, and creative approach to authentic Thai dishes." Menu: [Soi 4 Oakland](https://oakland.soifour.com/) IMPORTANT: This dinner will be family style. This means that although everyone will get to order a dish, *all dishes will be shared.*, and the total price of the food is divided equally. If you don't like a particular dish, just don't take any, there will be plenty of other dishes to eat. Drinks will be separate. If this doesn't suit you, do not sign up. **Everyone coming agrees to eat family style.** **NO EXCEPTIONS** If there are any questions, please message me. Thank you. As always, please bring cash.

Potluck Picnic with New Friends at Dolo

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/zeeGM73lIvQSRq1DaT8f **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Spend an hour talking with new friends in quick one-on-one rounds and meet wonderful new people in the city! Bring your best food (or buy it from Whole foods/ or DoorDash it) and by the time the picnic blankets are spread out, you've already found a fun crew to share snacks with. Maybe this becomes your regular picnic squad. Maybe it's just a great evening you'll remember. Either way, you're rolling with a crew. Agenda 2:00PM - Check-In Follow the link to complete a quick profile setup on your phone. 2:05PM - 3:25PM - One-on-One Rounds Our app pairs you for 1-1 speed friending conversations. Find out who shares your love for sunny afternoons, outdoor vibes, and the best park snacks. 3:25PM+ - Form Groups & find a sunny spot on the grass and start the picnic Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and find a sunny spot on the grass and start the picnic. Your group leaves together - tonight. Want to stay in touch with someone? Use the app - it lets you connect without ever sharing your phone number. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/zeeGM73lIvQSRq1DaT8f **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**

Sausalito Patio Drinks with New Friends

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/j4YfV9NceCKD3NUF1SRK **Early Bird Discounts \| More $ Later** Hey North Bay neighbors, Join me for a laid-back afternoon soaking up the sun and sipping cold drinks by the Marin waterfront. We'll spend about an hour chatting through quick, app-guided one-on-ones, and then small groups will head out to enjoy patio drinks together. We'll kick things off with a series of short conversations. The Gist IRL app takes all the guesswork out of mingling by pairing you up, letting you just relax and see who you naturally get along with. It's a really easygoing way to figure out who shares your love for the water and local hidden gems. Once the rounds wrap up, the best part begins. You'll choose your favorite matches from the afternoon, gather up a small group, and head to a nearby patio for drinks together. By the time you're sitting out on the patio, you've got a local crew to share drinks with. Whether these folks become your go-to local drinks crew or you just enjoy a really perfect sunny afternoon by the bay, you'll be glad you came out. The Plan: * 1:00 PM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. * 1:05 PM - 2:25 PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who lives nearby, loves the waterfront, and knows the best local spots. * 2:25 PM+: Form Groups & pick a nearby patio and head over for drinks. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and your crew leaves together to grab a table in the sun. Instead of just adding names to your phone, the whole goal today is to actually grab patio drinks right now and maybe find the perfect companions for trying new patios and waterfront spots together down the line. Plus, keeping the conversation going later is incredibly easy since you can message everyone you met straight through the app without ever needing to hand out your private phone number. I'm really looking forward to a beautiful afternoon on the water with you all. A few favorite spots nearby: Cultivar Sausalito - Located directly across from the park, this cozy spot features a lovely outdoor patio where you can pair fresh Pacific oysters on the half shell with award-winning California wines and craft cocktails. Barrel House Tavern - Just steps away, this stylish waterfront hangout boasts a spectacular deck with sweeping bay views and a popular happy hour offering fresh local oysters and draft drinks. The Trident - This legendary, rock-and-roll-steeped restaurant offers an expansive outdoor deck right over the water, where you can sip signature cocktails alongside delicious California-style baked oysters. Scoma's Sausalito - Situated on a historic pier, this beloved seafood staple features scenic outdoor seating and a menu of exceptionally fresh Hog Island oysters and classic waterfront cocktails. Hanson of Sonoma Tasting Room at Hanson Gallery - This unique venue combines a fine art gallery with a tasting room, complete with outdoor seating where you can enjoy organic grape-based vodka cocktails paired with fresh Hog Island oysters. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/j4YfV9NceCKD3NUF1SRK **Early Bird Discounts \| More $ Later**

🌅 Ocean Beach Sunset Bonfire & Social

Golden hour. Bonfire glow. Ocean waves. Good people. Join us for an evening at Ocean Beach filled with music, laughter, meaningful conversations, and a sunset that does all the talking. We'll gather around the fire, share stories, enjoy the beach vibes, and let the night unfold naturally. No agenda. No pressure. Just great company, salty air, and one epic sunset. 🔥 Bonfire 🎶 Music 🌅 Sunset 🌊 Ocean vibes ✨ New connections See you on the sand!! Note: You will have to commute on your own. We encourage you to connect with other members in the WhatsApp group to coordinate closer to event date!

Naadam Mongolian Authentic Cuisine: Dinner for 8

The restaurant is at 653 Clay Street. Naadam is a celebration of Mongolian fire, hospitality, and modern San Francisco. This small, family-owned-and-operated restaurant opened at the end of 2025. Per the restaurant’s website: In Mongolia, Naadam is the summer gathering — wrestling, horse racing, archery, and long days of shared food. The restaurant borrows that name because they want every night to feel like a small festival: warm, loud, generous. Google reviews sit at an impressive 4.9 stars, with many compliments from Mongolian natives. We will sit at a table for 8, and we will probably take up half the restaurant. The menu includes hearty entrees, dumplings, and soups. Milk tea is served with dine-in meals; I don’t believe that alcohol is served. We may attempt to share some dumplings and entrees family style, but other menu options look best for one person (like soups and combo plates), so you can order individually if you prefer. A word on dietary restrictions: Based on my interactions with the staff, they do not speak fluent English. So while it will be easy enough to avoid certain menu items, it may be difficult to communicate concerns about specific ingredients or request substitutions. The Infatuation: https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/naadam Menu: https://www.sfnaadam.com/menu Costs Most items on the menu are $15-20. Drinks or food ordered will be the responsibility of the person who ordered them. Items that the table agrees to share will be split evenly amongst the people who agree to share them. Please be prepared to split the check and pay via cash, Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay. Taxes and Fees Dining in San Francisco has a sales tax (8.625%) and possibly a mandate (5-6%). We will add a gratuity of 20%. Parking and Transportation BART to Montgomery Street Muni 1 to Clay & Grant; 8 to Kearny & Jackson Street parking is hard but not impossible, and there are a lot of garages in the area

Let's Go Benihana Style, Burlingame

Join me at Burlingame Benihana Family of Restaurants. Visit [Menu](https://www.benihana.com/menu/lunch/) to view selections. Dinner options includes choice of grilled meat and/or seafood option•beef broth onion soup •vegetable, egg fried rice • stir-fry vegetables. Full bar is also available. Vegetarian options include seaweed salad, Benihana salad, Yakisoba Noodles, white ,brown, or egg fried rice and steamed or sauteed hibachi vegetables and vegetarian sushi rolls. Please expect to pay between $60-100 per person. Individuals are responsible for cost of their meal, tax, tip, and beverages. We will settle bill at the end, I will ask for separate checks but please be prepared to pay by cash, Venmo, or Apple Cash in case. Table Reservations are set under my name. Please be on time. Full party MUST be present to be seated, late arrivals will lose their spot. Please manage your RSVP before Tuesday, July 14th. Onsite parking lot is FREE.