Published January 20, 2010
Heart of the Matter
Pairing Chianti With the Next Picasso

It's pretty indisputable: the world makes better sense after a drink or two.
We think this applies doubly for the world of art.
So the next time she mentions she'd like a little culture (and
Jersey Shore isn't on) take her to
Heart, a new wine bar/art gallery/bistro opening a week from today in an old mechanic's garage on
Valencia.
Think of it as the booze-friendliest way to tackle art in the city, at least until the SFMOMA finally gets
around to installing those taps you've been suggesting. When you walk in, your eyes will be drawn to the
18-foot walls, adorned with jutting wine bottles (consider them installation pieces), along with endless
shelves of vino. Then you'll notice the actual art, which will rotate from sketches to photos and
sculpture—though the opening exhibit is a hedonistic series of paintings called
Pleasure is all we
seek. (It's like they knew you were coming.)
Make your way to one of the communal tables, where you'll be served wine and beer in Mason jars. Small
plates from the guys behind Kitchenette are there for the picking—like American tasso ham from Fatted
Calf or duck fat potato chips.
Ah, the timeless art of the potato chip.
VITALS
Heart
1270 Valencia St
(at 24th)
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-285-1200
official website