It’s nice out! Like, objectively, nice out! So GET OUT OF YOUR SWEATPANTS, change into some shorts, and partake in any of the following weekend-specific activities:
Le Soleil Brille Toujours
What the Fork previously noted the sad passing of Soleil Banguid, the chef at Soleil’s African Cuisine, whose delicious pan-African cuisine and infectious good spirits won hearts and minds. Banguid passed away in March after suffering a severe stroke. He was 45 years old. Now, two Alameda business owners, Monica Trejo (of Wescafe) and William Wong (of Localize It), are organizing a fundraiser to support Banguid’s wife, TJ Banguid, and her family. The event, entitled “Le Soleil Brille Toujours” (“The Sun Always Shines”), will be held at the Albert H. DeWitt Officers’ Club in Alameda at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12. A five-course dinner (cooked by Trejo) will feature Banguid’s recipes, and the event will also include an auction and an African drumming performance. Tickets are $75, and will be available for purchase either online or in person at Wescafe . — Luke Tsai
Credits: LaDonna Bubak
Pyramid Summer Beer Release Party
Alright, alright, so spring has just sprung and anything resembling a proper summer is months away. But it’s not raining (mostly), and Pyramid has produced seven new summer brews, so it’s as good a time as any to celebrate the upcoming season. On Saturday, Apr. 13, visit Pyramid Alehouse for its second-annual summer-beer release party, with all proceeds benefiting “Ales for Autism,” a North Bay organization supporting autism research. Pyramid will have its seven new beers on tap for unlimited tasting, and will offer mouthwatering food pairings (like a Marjoram-spiced German Rostbratwurst paired with a Pyramid Helles Smokey Smoked Lager), live music, a photo booth, and more. Celebrate summer, no matter how distant. 3-6 p.m., $20. 510-528-9880 or PyramidBrew.com/alehouses/berkeley — Azeen Ghorayshi
