I’ve got some upcoming projects for ya, starting with FIFTH ARROW, opening this May below the upcoming August Hall in Union Square. Fifth Arrow is going to be a cocktail, dining, and gaming parlor with three bowling lanes—it was originally a 1930s Prohibition speakeasy. (It takes its name from the target point used by bowling aficionados for optimal scoring.)
The chef is Joey Booterbaugh, who is coming from Bar Angeles and Café Birdie in Los Angeles. He will be doing a Cal-Ital menu with a big focus on pizza (featuring naturally leavened dough, cooked in a brick-lined Marsal pizza deck oven), plus housemade pasta, seasonal dishes, a whole fish, and an off-menu burger. Cocktails, a strong beer and wine list, and a focus on hospitality will be a priority. Late-night dining will be in effect from 11pm-1am. 420 Mason St. at Geary.
Noe Valley residents are about to get an awesome corner market and all-day café in their neighborhood, DOUGLAS (it takes its name from the Douglas fir beams in the space). It’s opening in the former Bom Dia and is a project from Maggie Spicer (Baana), Michael Molesky, and his father, Jim, who reportedly has quite the palate and cooking skills. He will be overseeing the café and cooking dishes that he’s adapted from European, North African, and Mexican traditions while using the best of our local produce—think depth of flavor without fussiness.
You can come by for breakfast and lunch, enjoy coffee (from Portland’s Heart Coffee Roasters) and tea, and hang out over natural wines (from California and beyond) and snacks in the afternoons and evenings. There will also be high-quality groceries, pantry items, wines, and more. Look for an opening this spring. 1598 Sanchez St. at 29th St.
A couple of months ago, another star reader tipped me off that a location of MIXT (the organic salad chain) was coming to the former La Rondalla in the Mission. I never heard back from Mixt and didn’t want to run an unconfirmed story, especially one like that, but it ends up it really is happening. And my liver from 1995 (man, those margaritas were rough, but La Rondalla was soooo fun) is going to be in total disbelief over this: it’s not just a salad bar, but a “salad lounge.” The nation’s first! Still not quite sure what that means, but kale mimosas are mentioned in the press release (for a limited time). SF, WHAT IS HAPPENING. Look for salads, healthy market plates for dinner, grain bowls, and plant-based sides, plus beer, wine, and kombucha on tap, coming in May. Hours will be daily 11am-9pm. 901 Valencia St. at 20th St.
The upcoming August Hall. Rendering via Facebook.
