Let's Catch Brunch

Ready to upgrade your next brunch outing? Rather than standing in line for hours at the latest cool place, go to a cool picnic on the pier, where you'll catch your own meal, and sip mimosas too! The SF Crabbing Crew knows how to host a good time! And by that we mean catching fresh crab to eat, or release (whatever suits your ethos, as they like to say). Give it a whirl and see what comes up! The venue: Torpedo Wharf, just down the road from Crissy Field's Warming Hut. With the gorgeous Golden Gate as your backdrop you'll learn the ropes (and cages) of crabbing. Enjoy the bay breeze and Bloody Marys or mimosas while playing cornhole and snacking to your appetite's delight. Toss your crab cage into the bay, and wait; when the timer sounds, put on some gloves and lift the crab cage onto the pier using a seaman's rope. If you're lucky, a few special catches will be peaking out, nibbling raw chicken bait. SF Crabbing will cook up 3 to 4 Red Rock and Brown Rock crabs (they'll release the rest) in a buttery boil, served with a loaf of dipping bread. You can help throw back the rest of the day's catches—holding the little crustaceans by the sides, or top and bottom, so that the pinchers are safely out of range. That's a snap!

SF Crabbing Crew, (617) 938-7697, operates from Torpedo Wharf in San Francisco. Parking is available at the Warming Hut lot (983 Marine Dr.), or by Fort Point, a short walk away. All-inclusive afternoon costs $40/person. Book online. Dog friendly!