Lower Haight’s ~WING WINGS~ has been up for sale for some time, and owner Christian Ciscle just announced he has sold the business, but here’s the good part: the folks taking over don’t just want the lease, they want to keep Wing Wings going. Sweet. The new owners are Eric and Tony Shou, an uncle and nephew with Haight Street roots (the Chronicle reports they were a part of Crescent City Cafe and Spaghetti Western in the ’90s). Ciscle is going to help get them up to speed and pass the torch over the next month—and it’s a bright one. Ciscle plays a huge part in the community and always gives back, from fundraisers to events to getting the word out. Thanks for all the support (and wings!) these past seven years. We’re going to miss your observations of the neighborhood—LHSF forever. 422 Haight St. at Webster.
Another switcheroo: GELATERIA NAIA has decided to close its North Beach shop after 12 years of business in order to focus on their Bar Gelato pint and bar business. But North Beach will continue to have a gelato shop in the location: they are handing their keys to LUSH GELATO, who have been making gelato for more than a decade (they have a location on Polk St. and two in the East Bay). Lush should open this week or next. 520 Columbus Ave. at Green.
Folks lucky enough to live or work near EL SUR in Potrero will be happy to know they have added breakfast hours (now open Mon-Fri 8am-2pm), plus two breakfast empanadas (the tartiflette, with bacon, caramelized onion, potato, five cheeses, and egg; and the verdura, with braised greens, onion, potato, goat cheese, and egg). Owner Marianne Despres has also brought on the wicked-talented pastry chef Shawn Gawle (Saison, Les Clos, Quince) to consult on and perfect the medialunas (it’s a smaller and slightly sweeter Argentine version of the croissant that has a touch of honey and orange blossom), plus he updated their dulce de leche-filled churro. Look for later hours into the evening, with wine and more, coming later this year. 300 DeHaro St. at 16th St.
Another quick note: the folks at HIGH TREASON have started serving lunch Fri-Sun, so you can come by for their fantastic wines and salads and sandwiches right now (menu here). They open at 12pm those days, FYI. 443 Clement St. at 6th Ave.
Both locations of THE EPICUREAN TRADER (Cow Hollow and Bernal Heights) are now carrying six Craftsman & Wolves pastries daily—like a smoked ham and Swiss croissant—and this is the first time they are carrying their pastries outside of their shop! Pastry time starts at 10am Mon-Fri and 9am on the weekends. They are also selling bagel sandwiches featuring Wise Sons bagels, shmears, smoked salmon, and trout salad (bagels, challah, and shmears are also available for retail sale for those who want to bring them home). And if you check the freezer case, you’ll find Bi-Rite Creamery ice cream (they are their exclusive retailer partner!). 401 Cortland Ave. at Bennington and 1909 Union St. at Laguna.
Off the Grid returns to Fort Mason Center this Friday March 2nd (5pm-10pm), and there’s something new: the VIP Tasting Ticket. You can access a line-free window for exclusive tastes from a rotating selection of trucks and tents. You can check them out and purchase in advance or in person at the information booth ($25 for 4 tastes).
Wing Wings. Yelp photo by Genevieve Y.
