This holiday weekend why not spend some time discussing the issues facing the food industry at the "International Festival of Gastronomy and Gourmet Literature" at the inaugural Gastronomy by the Bay conference at San Francisco's Ferry Building?
Attending the event will be a number of top-notch toques including Traci des Jardins of Jardinière, Laurent Manrique of Aqua, Vai Kuan Vong of Paris' Chez Vong and many more. Discussion topics will range from organic agriculture to food blogging to the role of restaurant investors. There will also be celebrity chef book signings, round table discussions and an all-star gala dinner.
Though the event is geared towards professionals, diners interested in the "pleasure of the table" are more than welcome (prices vary; tickets can be purchased here).