PERSON IN TOWN
Margaret Hamburg, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, talks about what she has planned to help keep the nation and its food and medicine supply safe. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
LECTURES
Kurt W. Beyer: The author and technological-innovation expert talks about the career and achievements of computer visionary, inventor and business executive Grace Hopper. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
LITERARY
David Sax: The journalist and lifelong deli devotee talks about “Save the Deli.” [8 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
John Dolphin Allen: The writer and ecologist talks about “Me and the Biospheres: A Memoir.” [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
COLLEGES
Akira Mizuta Lippit: The University of Southern California professor discusses the convergence of solitude and violence in contemporary Japanese cinema. [5:30 p.m., Cummings Art Building, AR2, Stanford University, Stanford]
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Documentary film: “It’s Never Too Late to Paint,” a January film series, presents “Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, the Mistress and the Tangerine” (2008). [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
‘Toddler Tales’: Program features books, rhymes, music and movement for ages 18 months to 36 months. A play group follows. [10:15 a.m., Western Addition Branch, 1550 Scott St., S.F.]
CITY
Food and wine: The 2010 Zinfandel Festival begins. Look for “Good Eats and Zinfandel Pairing” today. The featured chef is Beverly Gannon. [6 to 9 p.m., Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.; tickets/info: www.zinfandel.org]
On-demand poems: Silvi Alcivar will write poetry in an instant at the grand opening of Union North condominiums during a “Bourbon and Warehouse” event featuring new-home tours, hors d’oeuvres and mini-seminars. [5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 2125 Bryant St., S.F.]
Science social: The Academy of Sciences hosts “NightLife.” DJ Aaron Pope provides the music. Dr. Matt Lewin discusses emergency medicine for field scientists who encounter poisonous critters. [6 to 10 p.m., Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
DINING OUT
Midi: Chef Michelle Mah serves adaptations of popular brasserie classics with a California touch, and three dishes are recommended today from her new winter menu. Look for the grilled pork confit; the steamed Prince Edward Island mussels; and the house-cured Loch Duart salmon with winter citrus. [185 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 835-6400]
