Crab festivals and tours

Oakland Tribune, Feb 16, 2005

THE SAN FRANCISCO CRAB FESTIVAL, sponsored by the Fisherman's Wharf Merchants Association, includes a lineup of celebrations, benefits, tastings and tours throughout February. Here are details on some events.

- Find out how fishermen catch crab by going on a free tour at 8 a.m. Mondays in February. Meet at Alioto-Lazio Fish Company, 440 Jefferson St., in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Call (415) 673- 5868.

Join in the crab-crackinghoopla at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 at Union Square, when San Francisco 49ers players, Gold Rush cheerleaders and local celebrities pair up with celebrity chefs from Kuleto's, Puccini & Pinetti, Ponzu, The Oak Room, Grand Cafe, Grandview's and Scala's to demonstrate the art and intricacies of cracking -- and eating -- crab. See who can clean the most crab the quickest. Free. For details, call (415) 781-7880 - If the crowds don't allow for a good view of the action, get a jump start on the crab nibbling at a crab street fair of sorts. From noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 26, restaurants will set up booths around Union Square to serve up bites of crab and bread. Entertainment and kids activities will round out the event, which includes wine and beer tasting. Tickets are $5 per taste. All profits will go to the 49ers Foundation. The first 100 people to purchase a tasting ticket will receive a free crab from Alioto- Lazio Fish Co. and a loaf of sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery. Call (415) 781-7880.

- Attend the second annual Crab Festival Celebration at Aquarium of the Bay on Pier 39 from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24. Eight food stations sponsored by the Wharf's restaurants will serve food. There will also be four bars and live music. Aquarium tours will be offered throughout the evening. Tickets, which include free parking, are $75. The event is a benefit for the Bay Institute, which works to preserve and protect San Francisco Bay and its tributaries. Call (415) 674-7503.

-Go on a walking tour of the Wharf at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in February. Guides lead a two-hour tour that focuses on the history and tales of Fisherman's Wharf. The tours, offered through Local Tastes of the City Tours, are $40 and include treats from the Wharf. Meet at The Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth St., at the main stage, lower level. For reservations, call (415) 665-0480 or (888) 358-8687 or visit

www.localtastesofthecitytours.com.

-Take a one-hour crab feed/cruise of the Bay aboard the Red and White Fleet. All cruises leave the dock of Pier 431/2 at noon. Cost for the cruise, which includes one whole crab, is $45 per person. A full bar is available for beverage purchases. Additional snacks are also available for purchase. To book by phone, call (415) 673- 2900. Advance reservations are required. No refunds. For more information, go to www.redandwhite.com/crabfeed.html.

-Visitor guides to help you find your way around the Wharf or to pinpoint festival locations can be found at the Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., at Powell and Market streets, lower level, Hallidie Plaza. To receive a copy by mail, call (415) 391-2000, or write to the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, 900 Market St., Lower Level, Hallidie Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102.

-- Jolene Thym