SFChefs week (San Francisco's second annual food and wine event celebrating the diversity and harvest of Northern California) starts this week and culminates in several artisan buffets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to a sumptuous affair in Union Square later in the week, there will be several panel discussions/seminars featuring gastronomic notables that online savvy types might enjoy.

Here are a few of our personal recommendations:

Wednesday, August 11
"Hospitalitarianism: Love Thy Guest" - Marcia Gagliardi (Tablehopper) leads a spirited conversation on restaurant servic:, the good, the bad, and the tip-less. Panelists will include Umberto Gibin (Perbacco, Barbacco), Annie Stoll (Delfina), Giancarlo Paterlini (Acquerello), Nick Peyton (Cyrus) and Tim Stannard (Spruce, Cafe Des Amis). Discussions will include, but not limited to: hiring, firing, staff training, building relationships with loyal and difficult guests, and "the art of running successful restaurants." While it's very industry-ish, it's sure to be fascinating for anyone who regularly dines out.

The Westin St. Francis Hotel, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Reception to follow. Tickets, $35.

Thursday, August 12
"Going Whole Hog" - It's all about... pork! Pig! Bacon! Slabs of piggy goodness! In this demonstration Stephen Gerike (National Food Service Marketing Manager of the National Pork Board) and Chef Tom Pizzica, Finalist on The Next Food Network Star will butcher an entire pig. Brace yourselves.

The Westin St. Francis Hotel, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Reception to follow. Tickets, $35.