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<title type="text">What’s Cookin’</title>
<subtitle type="text">Weekly Intro and Updates (Coming in hot...)</subtitle>
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<name>marcia</name>

<email>marcia@tablehopper.com</email>
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<updated>2012-02-07T22:59:21Z</updated>

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Hayes Valley Rising: Sarah and Evan Rich Taking Over the Paul K Space </title>
<summary type="text">The Scoop was the first to confirm that the liquor license activity at Paul K in Hayes Valley was in fact the exciting news that it appeared to be: chefs Sarah (Michael Mina) and Evan Rich (COI, Quince) are going...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Evan and Sarah Rich; photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2012/02/05/sarah-and-evan-rich-ink-a-deal-for-a-hayes-valley-restaurant/">Scoop</a> was the first to confirm that the liquor license activity at <a href="http://www.paulkrestaurant.com/">Paul K</a> in Hayes Valley was in fact the exciting news that it appeared to be: chefs Sarah (Michael Mina) and Evan Rich (COI, Quince) are going to be taking over the space. Their restaurant doesn&#8217;t yet have a name, and the opening is slated for &#8220;later this year.&#8221; Evan Rich was quoted as saying, &#8220;We&#8217;ll keep it simple and represent what&#8217;s going on in San Francisco. There&#8217;s a lot of exciting stuff happening, and we want to slide in and do our thing.&#8221; Those who have attended their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChefsNightOff">Chefs&#8217; Night Off</a> pop-up dinners should have a sense for their progressive NorCal cooking style; look for some future dates in the meantime. And there&#8217;s the bonus feature of the full bar at the location. Good for them. Paul K remains open in the meantime. 199 Gough St. at Oak.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:12Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:18:00Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">A Second Sauce Opening in the Trademark Bar on Belden</title>
<summary type="text">I received word from Ben Paula, the chef and one of the partners of Sauce in Hayes Valley, that they are going to be taking over Trademark Bar on Belden Place. The Sauce crew is planning to operate it as...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>The Sauce crew. Photo via Facebook by <a href="http://www.scottkphotography.com/">Scott Kowalchyk</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I received word from Ben Paula, the chef and one of the partners of <a href="http://www.saucesf.com/"><strong class="place">~SAUCE~</strong></a> in Hayes Valley, that they are going to be taking over <a href="http://www.trademarksf.com/">Trademark Bar</a> on Belden Place. The Sauce crew is planning to operate it as Trademark for a month or so while they line up all the changes, but they can&#8217;t make major changes to the building until the ABC license is finalized. Paula will be cooking under the Trademark banner for a bit, but is implementing menu changes as soon as possible. There will be a grand opening for Sauce (targeting March) when they get all the ducks in a row. Stand by for more details in coming weeks. 56 Belden Place at Bush.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:11Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T17:33:46Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">More Hayes Movement: Hayes Valley Bakeworks Starts Construction</title>
<summary type="text">I received word that Hayes Valley Bakeworks, the non-profit bakery and café originally set to open last November, has finally gotten their permits (after an unexpected zoning change) and construction began this week; the opening is now scheduled for early...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I received word that <a href="http://www.toolworks.org/bakeworks"><strong class="place">~HAYES VALLEY BAKEWORKS~</strong></a>, the non-profit bakery and café originally set to open last November, has finally gotten their permits (after an unexpected zoning change) and construction began this week; the opening is now scheduled for early May. The non-profit <a href="http://www.toolworks.org">Toolworks</a>&#8212;which is responsible for the &#8220;social enterprise&#8221; part of the project&#8212;has been very busy working not only on their rustic American pastry selection (with loads of gluten-free options), but also on seasonal grab-and-go savories from chef Justin Nilson (formerly with Café des Amis) with additional help from Janet Rikala, a Postrio alumnus. </p>

<p>According to their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayesvalleybakeworks">Facebook page</a>, they have created a &#8220;Celebrity Soup&#8221; program that will feature a changing roster of featured dishes from the likes of Roland Passot, Mitch Rosenthal, Russell Jackson, James Schenk, Sean Baker, Hoss Zaré, and yours truly, among many more civic-minded food folks who love the project&#8217;s core mission of providing a professional baking program with a path to employment for the disabled and formerly homeless. 365 Fulton St. at Gough.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:10Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T17:41:16Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Outerlands Expanding Into Space Next Door</title>
<summary type="text">I heard word that the fine folks at Outerlands are expanding into Wo&#8217;s Chinese next door, which is about the same size as their current space. The owners are still in the very early stages, but the plan is to...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Yelp photo of Outerlands bread by <a href="http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=lP2ix3f_04thbaMiUjXMnQ">Anthony M.</a></p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I heard word that the fine folks at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/outerlands/">~OUTERLANDS~</a></strong> are expanding into Wo&#8217;s Chinese next door, which is about the same size as their current space. The owners are still in the very early stages, but the plan is to include a full bar (remember, <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/boozin-at-outerlands/">they have a liquor license</a>), additional seating (including large party seating), and extended service hours (potentially including a cocktail hour). They are hoping to be ready to go by summer&#8212;stand by for more details in coming months. Yup, your odds of scoring a table for brunch are likely to improve by 100 percent.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:09Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:19:25Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Chef Michael Hung Departs Bushi-Tei; Restaurant Placed on the Market</title>
<summary type="text">I was sorry to read in Eater that chef Michael Hung has departed Bushi-tei in Japantown, and owner Tak Matsuba has decided to put the restaurant on the market. In the meantime, Hung&#8217;s former sous chef, Lisa Aoki, is going...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo by Yelp&#8217;s <a href="http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=W3pB9iiIEkkCjX18gtYnMw">Stacy D.</a></p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I was sorry to read in <a href="http://sf.eater.com/archives/2012/02/02/bushi_tei.php">Eater</a> that chef Michael Hung has departed <a href="http://www.bushi-tei.com/"><strong class="place">~BUSHI-TEI~</strong></a> in Japantown, and owner Tak Matsuba has decided to put the restaurant on the market. In the meantime, Hung&#8217;s former sous chef, Lisa Aoki, is going to run the kitchen in the interim while Matsuba looks for a buyer. She will be scaling back the menu a bit, but will still be serving dishes in Bushi-tei&#8217;s Californian-Japanese style. Hung is reportedly &#8220;taking some time off and &#8216;doing some stages&#8217; as he decides where to go next.&#8221; Best wishes to all. 1638 Post St. at Laguna, 415-440-4959.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:08Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T18:38:38Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">The Dancing Pig Now Open in the Castro</title>
<summary type="text">Another barbecue joint to add to the city&#8217;s ever-growing list: The Dancing Pig is reportedly open in the Castro in the former Nirvana space, according to Grub Street. The owners are two bartenders and an owner at The Mix around...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Another barbecue joint to add to the city&#8217;s ever-growing list: <a href="http://thedancingpigsf.com/"><strong class="place">~THE DANCING PIG~</strong></a> is reportedly open in the Castro in the former Nirvana space, according to <a href="http://sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com/2012/02/dancing-pig-bbq-castro-opening-menu.html">Grub Street</a>. The owners are two bartenders and an owner at The Mix around the corner: J.R. Kleysteuber, Linda Holl, and Larry Metzger; the chef is Michelle Agnew (de Young Museum, Burger Bar). You can look at the menu <a href="http://thedancingpigsf.com/TheDancingPig/Menu.html">here</a>, which includes a mix of barbecue styles (which the owners are calling &#8220;San Francisco BBQ&#8221;). There are fried tasso oysters, a trio of sliders (pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked chicken), poblano peppers stuffed with pulled pork, a few salads and sandwiches, and barbecue entrées (which come with two sides and cornbread) include St. Louis pork spare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and more. The cocktails will reportedly have a bourbon-heavy slant. Didn&#8217;t hear back from the owners in time to include the hours and a phone number, stand by. 544 Castro St. at 18th St.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:07Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:24:35Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Quickie Updates on Openings, Changes, and Closures</title>
<summary type="text">After an initial tip-off from Chowhound back in November, it looks like there&#8217;s another make-your-own sushi joint in town: Sushi Taka, which has opened in the old Latte Express space. You can come up with all kinds of franken-rolls, like...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Saru Sushi Bar; Yelp photo by <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/user_details?userid=TCUeD7Z1L60u7L656neiDQ">John H.</a></p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>After an initial tip-off from <a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/816483">Chowhound</a> back in November, it looks like there&#8217;s another make-your-own sushi joint in town: <a href="http://www.sushitakaus.com/"><strong class="place">~SUSHI TAKA~</strong></a>, which has opened in the old Latte Express space. You can come up with all kinds of franken-rolls, like beef sukiyaki with Jarlsberg cheese, or teriyaki tofu with salsa, or&#8230;. I am going to stop right there. You can check out the menu <a href="http://sushitakaus.com/Menu.html">here</a>. And since I&#8217;m seeing eel and salmon on there, it looks like <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/meet-u-sushi-another-fast-casual-sushi-option-in-the-fidi/">yet another new sushi place</a> that doesn&#8217;t seem to care about sustainability. One other component: chef-owner Nick Ono makes the rice with green tea powder. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 11am-2pm. 600 Kearny St. at Sacramento, 415-362-4800.</p>

<p>Over in Noe Valley, <a href="http://noevalleysf.blogspot.com/2012/02/open-saru-sushi-bar.html">Noe Valley SF</a> notes <a href="http://www.akaisarusf.com/"><strong class="place">~SARU SUSHI BAR~</strong></a> has opened in the former Tamasei Sushi space. Some posts on Yelp mention more new-fangled dishes (tasting spoons of halibut tartare with grated lime, yuzu juice, and Japanese sea salt, or kampachi with truffle oil, ponzu, garlic chips, and scallion, and &#8220;spicy tuna topped with avocado and cucumber over a slightly fried piece of seaweed&#8221;), classic nigiri, and rolls. Pics on Yelp show a stylish, traditional-meets-industrial interior and outdoor seating. Open Tue-Thu and Sun 12pm-2pm and 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-2pm and 5pm-10pm. 3856 24th St. at Sanchez, 415-400-4510.</p>

<p>A tablehopper reader tipped us off that <a href="http://calabriabrosdeli.com/"><strong class="place">~CALABRIA BROS.~</strong></a> Italian deli is opening their second location this Saturday in the former Sorrento Delicatessen in the Excelsior. 4763 Mission St. at Russia Ave.</p>

<p><a href="http://missionlocal.org/2012/02/780-cafe-will-replace-the-summit/">Mission Loc@l</a> mentions <strong class="place">~780 CAFÉ~</strong> will be taking the place of <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/the-new-year-brings-a-slew-of-closures/">The Summit</a>. More: &#8220;Jose Ramos, the property manager at 780 Valencia and former staffer with New College and the Mission Neighborhood Centers, will run the café, said Ashwin Navin of I/O Ventures.&#8221; 780 Valencia St. at 19th St.</p>

<p>Over in the Haight, <a href="http://www.haighteration.com/2012/02/cucos-to-close-within-30-days.html">Haighteration</a> announces <strong class="place">~CUCO&#8217;S~</strong> was served with a 30-day notice, and is sadly closing after 20 years in business (and serving many, many plantain burritos and chiles rellenos). 488 Haight St. at Fillmore, 415-863-4906.</p>

<p><a href="http://sf.eater.com/archives/2012/02/07/la_terrasse_bids_adieu_in_the_presidio.php">Eater</a> reports <strong class="place">~LA TERRASSE~</strong> in the Presidio has closed.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:06Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:28:22Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Breakfast for Supper Sundays at Brenda&apos;s</title>
<summary type="text">You a fan of Bananas Foster French Toast for dinner? Yeah, me too. Which is why you will want to check out Breakfast for Supper Sundays at Brenda&#8217;s French Soul Food, when the full brunch menu will be available from...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Brenda&#8217;s Hangtown fry. Photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>You a fan of Bananas Foster French Toast for dinner? Yeah, me too. Which is why you will want to check out <strong>Breakfast for Supper Sundays</strong> at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/brendas-french-soul-food/">~BRENDA&#8217;S FRENCH SOUL FOOD~</a></strong>, when the full brunch menu will be available from 8am-8pm. There will also be some dinner items available after 5pm on Sundays, like shrimp, catfish, or oyster po&#8217; boys, red beans and rice, and the BFC (Brenda&#8217;s fried chicken).</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:05Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T22:11:36Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Food Trucks, Parties, Pop-Ups, and Special Menus</title>
<summary type="text">Plenty o&#8217; pop-ups and more this week, starting with Hapa Ramen tonight at Wing Wings from 6pm-10pm. Sounds like the fryer is going to be put to good use with tempura Gulf prawns with fried Meyer lemon and kale ($10),...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Hapa Ramen bowl with fried chicken and egg. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/foodiehunter/">Foodie Hunter</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Plenty o&#8217; pop-ups and more this week, starting with <a href="http://haparamensf.com/"><strong class="place">~HAPA RAMEN~</strong></a> tonight at <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/wing-wings/">Wing Wings</a> from 6pm-10pm. Sounds like the fryer is going to be put to good use with tempura Gulf prawns with fried Meyer lemon and kale ($10), plus fried local herring ($9; one of your last chances to try them before the short season is over), and three kinds of ramen with the option to add a smoked crispy trotter cake on top. 8422 Haight St. at Webster, 415-834-5001.</p>

<p>Starting this Friday February 10th, <a href="http://www.soupjunkiesf.com/"><strong class="place">~SOUP JUNKIE~</strong></a> is going to be serving 150 portions of their trademark <strong><em>bun rieu</em></strong> ($11) every Friday at <a href="http://vinylsf.com/">Vinyl Wine Bar</a> from 6pm-10pm. Yeah, you want to check it out. Vinyl Wine Bar, 359 Divisadero St. at Oak, 415-621-4132.</p>

<p>On Saturday February 11th, <a href="http://www.missionminis.com"><strong class="place">~MISSION MINIS~</strong></a> is celebrating its <strong><a href="http://www.missionminis.com/party/2012_press_release.pdf">birthday</a></strong> by having mobile food vendors (Brass Knuckle, We Sushi, Mama&#8217;s Empanadas, and Clairesquares) set up in front of the bakery, and MM will be giving away their signature cupcakes and serving beverages gratis. 7pm onward. 3168 22nd St. at Mission, 415-817-1540.</p>

<p>On Monday February 13th, chef <strong>Sarah Kirnon</strong> is popping up at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/bar-tartine/">~BAR TARTINE~</a></strong> for a dinner with beer pairings by cicerone <strong>Sayre Piotrkowski</strong>. Check out the two delicious-sounding set menu options <a href="http://beerandsoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Beer_And_Soul_menu.pdf">here</a>, and even three of the four brewers will be in attendance that night. Guests get to try Daily (B)red, the newly released beer that Linden Street Brewery fermented with Tartine Bakery&#8217;s sourdough starter. Bar Tartine is setting aside bar seats for walk-ins, and there are a few tables left on OpenTable. $49 per person (food and beer pairings included).</p>

<p>For the next two weeks (truffles permitting), <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/rn74/">~RN74~</a></strong> is offering a four-course <strong>black truffle menu</strong> with decadent dishes including foie gras brûlée with shaved black truffle, hazelnut, and apples, and Hollander Farm squab with sautéed pork belly, foraged mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and sauce Périgourdine. The menu runs Thursdays through Saturdays; $74 per person, $60 per person for wine pairing.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:04Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T23:06:08Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">The Rock Bar Opening This Week</title>
<summary type="text">I checked in with Kevin Cline of the Front Porch on his latest project with Josey White, The Rock Bar, and sure enough, they are going to meet their intended opening date of Saturday February 11th that he told me...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo of the golden phonebooth in front of Rock Bar from <a href="http://burritojustice.com/">Burrito Justice</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I checked in with Kevin Cline of the Front Porch on his latest project with Josey White, <strong class="place">~THE ROCK BAR~</strong>, and sure enough, they are going to meet their intended opening date of Saturday February 11th that he told me about a month ago (well, if health inspections go well&#8212;in fact, they might even open sooner). The project was already <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/more-details-on-rock-bar-coming-to-bernal-heights/">mentioned</a> on tablehopper, but to recap, as Cline puts it, &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be a fun neighborhood bar for people who like great classic cocktails, cool wines, cold beers, and geology!&#8221; Not only does the exterior have a lot of rocks adhered to it (a holdover from its days as the International Club), but both Cline&#8217;s and White&#8217;s families come from mining backgrounds, so they&#8217;re having some fun with that theme with the interior as well. </p>

<p>Cocktails include classics like the Sazerac, Vieux Carré, and Corpse Reviver #2, plus drinks like the Dirty Metamorphic (Tito&#8217;s, olive, Fresno chile), Real Thunderberg (Maker&#8217;s, Bunderberg, Underberg, lime), and the clever Inheritance International (&#8220;pick your spirit from our inheritance; we will make you something nice&#8221;). Follow The Rock Bar on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rock-Bar/184721011635343">Facebook</a> for up-to-the-day updates on the opening. 80 29th St. at Tiffany.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/rock-bar-opening-this-week/</id>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:04Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T21:47:37Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Sweets for Your Sweet</title>
<summary type="text">A bunch of local bakers and chocolatiers are making some heartfelt options for you and your sweetie to enjoy on Valentine&#8217;s Day. Here are a few that caught our fancy. The babes of Three Babes Bakeshop are holding a special...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo of Aphrodite’s Delight chocolate collection from <a href="http://www.socolachocolates.com/">Socola</a>.</p>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo from <a href="http://lilabdesign.com/">Lila B. Design</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>A bunch of local bakers and chocolatiers are making some heartfelt options for you and your sweetie to enjoy on Valentine&#8217;s Day. Here are a few that caught our fancy.</p>

<p>The babes of <a href="http://threebabesbakeshop.com/"><strong class="place">~THREE BABES BAKESHOP~</strong></a> are holding a special V-Day pop-up, offering <strong>chocolate cream pies in jars</strong> from 10am-4pm. They&#8217;ve teamed up with <a href="http://lilabdesign.com/">Lila B. Design</a> so you can also pick up a fresh, beautiful bouquet while you&#8217;re visiting the LSC (Little Shipping Container, outside of Stable Café, 2128 Folsom St. at 17th St.) Pre-order by <a href="mailto:info@threebabesbakeshop.com">email</a> or drop by next Tuesday.</p>

<p>Dessert café <a href="http://www.delisesf.com/"><strong class="place">~DELISE~</strong></a> launches their Valentine lineup this Friday February 10th, including special macarons (Dragon&#8217;s Passion, Szechuan pepper macaron filled with passion fruit milk chocolate truffle, and Perfect Pear, lavender macaron filled with white chocolate Pear William truffle). Their popular lychee-rose frozen yogurt will be back, plus a spiced chocolate sorbet made with a blend of aphrodisiac spices and cayenne. They&#8217;ll also have brownies with raspberry ganache frosting, heart-shaped shortbread with honey and black truffle, and vanilla Meyer lemon cheesecake with pine nut-rosemary crust. Feel free to pre-order. 327 Bay St. at Powell, 415-399-9694.</p>

<p>The bakery at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/baker-banker/">~BAKER &AMP; BANKER~</a></strong> has quite a few specials lined up too. Choose from cakes like a conversation heart cake (says Hugs or Kisses), red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, and dark chocolate cake with ganache frosting (6&#8221; $50, 10&#8221; $85); passion fruit cheesecake with guava caramel (6&#8221; $30, 10&#8221; $50); or cupcakes like strawberry-Champagne (4 for $14). A box of coconut salted caramel chocolates are $15 for a set of 6. Order by 5pm Sunday February 12th.</p>

<p>Throughout February, you can order the special Valentine&#8217;s Day chocolate collection from <a href="http://www.socolachocolates.com/"><strong class="place">~SOCOLA CHOCOLATIER~</strong></a>: Aphrodite&#8217;s Delight features the word &#8220;love&#8221; in several languages on the chocolates, and includes flavors like burnt caramel with sea salt, and their Hot Lava with raspberry pâte de fruit and Champagne ganache. <a href="http://socolachocolatier.foodoro.com/store/">Purchase online</a>; comes in 4, 12, or 24 pieces.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:03Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T21:51:23Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Bartender and Wine Director Hires</title>
<summary type="text">Some bartender updates: Alcademics reports Joel Baker (Bourbon &amp; Branch, nopa, and Burritt Room) is now the bar manager at Tres in SoMa. More details: &#8220;Baker told me he&#8217;d look into expanding the tequila program into other agave spirits including...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Bar Dogwood; photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Some bartender updates: <a href="http://www.alcademics.com/2012/02/joel-baker-to-take-on-tres-tequila-lounge-in-san-francisco.html">Alcademics</a> reports <strong>Joel Baker</strong> (Bourbon &amp; Branch, nopa, and Burritt Room) is now the bar manager at <a href="http://tressf.com/"><strong class="place">~TRES~</strong></a> in SoMa. More details: &#8220;Baker told me he&#8217;d look into expanding the tequila program into other agave spirits including adding more mezcal and sotol. They&#8217;ll begin serving tequila shots with a choice of sangrita chasers in red or green as well.&#8221; Look for some new cocktails on the menu as well.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, over in the East Bay, the talented <strong>Aurora Siegel</strong> (Rose Pistola) is now working at <a href="http://www.bardogwood.com/"><strong class="place">~BAR DOGWOOD~</strong></a> in Oakland. She just started last night.</p>

<p>And on the wine side, <a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/"><strong class="place">~CAVALLO POINT LODGE~</strong></a> has hired <strong>Gillian Ballance</strong> as wine director. She was most recently a wine consultant for the Pacific-Union Club in San Francisco and Bottega Restaurant in Napa Valley, and was formerly the PlumpJack Group&#8217;s wine director between 2004 and 2009.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:03Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:42:38Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Oyster and Wine Dinner with Secret Wine Shop at Dottie&apos;s</title>
<summary type="text">On Thursday February 23rd, the new Dottie&#8217;s True Blue Cafe is hosting a special oyster and wine event in conjunction with the Lunny Family of Drakes Bay, the oyster team from Waterbar, local wine purveyor The Secret Wine Shop, and...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Delicious research. Photo from The Secret Wine Shop.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>On Thursday February 23rd, the new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dottiestrueblue"><strong class="place">~DOTTIE&#8217;S TRUE BLUE CAFE~</strong></a> is hosting a special <strong>oyster and wine event</strong> in conjunction with the Lunny Family of Drakes Bay, the oyster team from Waterbar, local wine purveyor <a href="http://www.thesecretwineshop.com/">The Secret Wine Shop</a>, and local winemakers all in attendance. The roof deck will be open. Some fun background info <a href="http://www.thesecretwineshop.com/blog/oysterwinepairing">here</a> on the oyster and wine pairings and <a href="http://www.thesecretwineshop.com/site/secretwineshop/purchase/meroir-meets-terroir-at-dottie-s">here</a>. $60 per person; <a href="http://www.thesecretwineshop.com/site/secretwineshop/purchase/meroir-meets-terroir-at-dottie-s">tickets here</a>. 7pm-9pm. 28 6th St. at Market, 415-885-2767.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:02Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:31:37Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Get Your Beer On at These Events</title>
<summary type="text">Lots of opportunities coming up to get your beer on&#8212;at brunch, in a beer-making class, and even on Valentine&#8217;s Day. Beerunch is back at Public House on Sunday February 12th, 11:30am-2:30pm, with a brunch-focused food and beer pairing menu. Some...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Lots of opportunities coming up to get your beer on&#8212;at brunch, in a beer-making class, and even on Valentine&#8217;s Day. <a href="http://www.mateveza.com/beerunch/index.html"><strong>Beerunch</strong></a> is back at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/public-house/">~PUBLIC HOUSE~</a></strong> on Sunday February 12th, 11:30am-2:30pm, with a brunch-focused food and beer pairing menu. Some of the featured pairings are MateVeza and Mill Valley Beerworks Morpho Herbal Ale (aged with lactobacillus) with El Porteño pollo empanadas, Moonlight Toast (Slightly Burnt) with chicken waffles with salsa verde, and Marin Three Flowers IPA (cask) with potato chip-crusted fried mac and cheese bites with mimolette, Jack, smoked Gouda, and Gruyère. Tix required and do sell out. Get &#8216;em <a href="http://www.mateveza.com/beerunch/index.html">online here</a>.</p>

<p>Get your beer on again the next day at a <strong>beer-making and cooking class</strong> in the Hands On Gourmet loft kitchen&#8212;it&#8217;s the SF stop of the <a href="http://hogbrew.eventbrite.com/"><strong class="place">~BROOKLYN BREW SHOP BEER MAKING BOOK TOUR~</strong></a>. Students cook with the Hands On Gourmet chefs while the Brooklyn Brew Shop demos their Spring Lager and explains the beer-making process from grains to glass. The beer and food pairings include Bourbon Dubbel with barbeque duck and green papaya salad, Jalapeño Saison with grilled lamb kebabs and mango chutney, and Gingerbread Ale with vanilla bean ricotta cannoli, citrus, and pistachios. Monday February 13th, 7pm-9pm. $50, includes book, beer tasting, and food pairing. <a href="http://hogbrew.eventbrite.com/">Tickets online</a>. 2325 3rd St. #409 at 20th St.</p>

<p>Also at Public House, they&#8217;re putting tongue in cheek for a Valentine&#8217;s Day party on Tuesday the 14th they&#8217;re calling <strong>&#8220;Bitter, Sour, Single&#8221;</strong>, otherwise known as a singles event with specials on bitter and sour beers all night, including Tartar and Cuvee de Bubba (both sour), as well as Jack London Bitter. You get a free sample flight of bitter and sour beers with purchase. How&#8217;s that for an anti-Valentine&#8217;s Day party?</p>

<p>And don&#8217;t forget, it&#8217;s <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/sf-beer-week-returns-dc/"><strong>SF Beer Week</strong> February 10th-19th</a>! So many great events, check it out!</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/get-your-beer-on-at-these-events/</id>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:02Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T21:10:11Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Update on Jack London Market Plans</title>
<summary type="text">Some more details and clarification have emerged since last week&#8217;s (incomplete) post about the future of Jack London Market. The market will feature a mix of on-site artisanal food producers and retailers; the concept has further evolved this year with...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>The future home of mystery tenants. Photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Some more details and clarification have emerged since last week&#8217;s (incomplete) <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/jack-london-square-public-market-plans-have-changed/">post</a> about the future of <a href="http://www.jacklondonmarket.com/"><strong class="place">~JACK LONDON MARKET~</strong></a>. The market will feature a mix of on-site artisanal food producers <em>and</em> retailers; the concept has further evolved this year with the formation of a new management/development group and alliance partners who wanted the public market to reflect the growing local food movement in and around Oakland.  </p>

<p>The food producer/retailer and restaurant/bar tenants already in and directly around the Jack London Square property (Baia Pasta, Miette bakery, Belcampo Meats, Blue Bottle Coffee, Haven, Bocanova, Heinold&#8217;s First and Last Chance Saloon) are joined with a weekly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jlsfarmersmarket">farmers&#8217; market</a>, public events (including Eat Real and the new cycling-focused Pedalfest), and some office, retail, and recreation tenants. Look for more announcements about new tenants soon.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T19:29:53Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Tre Bicchieri Returns to SF on February 15th</title>
<summary type="text">This month is all about an abundance of Italian wines: just last week was The Golden Glass, and on Wednesday February 15th, the Tre Bicchieri world tour makes its stop in San Francisco. For 2012, 375 labels attained the &#8220;tre...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Tre Bicchieri at Fort Mason. Photo: © <a href="http://tablehopper.com">tablehopper.com</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>This month is all about an abundance of Italian wines: just last week was The Golden Glass, and on Wednesday February 15th, the <a href="http://www.gamberorosso.it/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=36&amp;Itemid=5034&amp;lang=it"><strong class="place">~TRE BICCHIERI~</strong></a> world tour makes its stop in San Francisco. For 2012, 375 labels attained the &#8220;tre bicchieri&#8221; status out of over 20,000 wines that were tasted by Gambero Rosso panels; only &#8220;tre bicchieri&#8221; winners will be poured at this top-notch tasting event at Fort Mason Center. Trade 2pm-6pm; public 3pm-6pm. And please note a newly designed <em>Italian Wines 2012</em>, the English-language version of <em>Vini d&#8217;Italia</em>, will make its first appearance in its trimmer format.</p>

<p> </p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T08:14:05Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Sean Penn at Tosca Cafe</title>
<summary type="text">Another Sean Penn sighting from last week: according to Leah Garchik&#8217;s column, he was at Tosca Cafe in North Beach, and &#8220;met up with the three American hikers released after being incarcerated in Iran.&#8221; (According to Reuters, Penn had a...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Another <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/sean-penn">~Sean Penn~</a></strong> sighting from last week: according to <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/01/DDA21N0FAS.DTL#ixzz1ldLU3d81">Leah Garchik&#8217;s column</a>, he was at <a href="http://toscacafesf.com/TOSCA.html">Tosca Cafe</a> in North Beach, and &#8220;met up with the three American hikers released after being incarcerated in Iran.&#8221; (According to Reuters, Penn had a hand in helping with their release.) </p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T08:34:40Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">It Was Hammertime at Bluestem</title>
<summary type="text">According to a tweet, MC Hammer was in Bluestem Brasserie last night. He was holding court with a friend for four hours, and was seen eating one of pastry chef James Ormsby&#8217;s &#8220;cookie jars&#8221; for dessert with hot tea....</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>MC Hammer with Kimberly O&#8217;Dowd. Photo courtesy of Bluestem.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>According to a <a href="http://twitter.com/BluestemSF/statuses/166734222558633984">tweet</a>, <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/mc-hammer">~MC Hammer~</a></strong> was in <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/bluestem-brasserie/index.php">Bluestem Brasserie</a> last night. He was holding court with a friend for four hours, and was seen eating one of pastry chef James Ormsby&#8217;s &#8220;cookie jars&#8221; for dessert with hot tea.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/it-was-hammer-time-at-bluestem/</id>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T21:54:25Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">(Sponsored): So, You Want to Be Featured in tablehopper....</title>
<summary type="text">Yup, it&#8217;s all about location. Where you advertise should be the same. Have your advertising budget nailed down for 2012? Want to get your [insert groovy product or place or service here] in front of thousands of educated, hip, savvy...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Yup, it&#8217;s all about location. Where you advertise should be the same. </p>

<p>Have your advertising budget nailed down for 2012? Want to get your [insert groovy product or place or service here] in front of thousands of educated, hip, savvy insiders? (After all, you read tablehopper, too.) tablehopper readers live to eat, drink, travel, and hit the town, in San Francisco and beyond. Many are in the industry, both front of house, and back of house. They are in the house.</p>

<p>There are a variety of creative opportunities available. <a href="mailto:marcia@tablehopper.com">Drop us a line</a> for a media kit and rates.</p>

<p><em>Please note: no restaurant or bar advertising is allowed on tablehopper&#8212;sorry, thanks for your interest.</em></p>
]]>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T22:13:39Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">more cowbell.</title>
<summary type="text">Boy, am I glad to be out of the bunker. There is nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a honking deadline, or in my case, two. I had fun getting my swerve on Thursday night in North Beach, feasting...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Beef cheek ramen at Nombe. Photo: © <a href="http://tablehopper.com">tablehopper.com</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Boy, am I glad to be out of the bunker. There is nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a honking deadline, or in my case, two. I had fun getting my swerve on Thursday night in North Beach, feasting at <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/chubby-noodle-from-don-pistos-opening-tk/">Chubby Noodle</a> and having after-dinner drinks at <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/comstock-saloon/">Comstock Saloon</a> (that Cherry Bounce will get you in trouble). </p>

<p>On Friday, a friend who is a member of the South End Rowing Club took me out on the bay on a beautiful wood boat&#8212;-<a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/assets/baywithpete.jpg">what an epic morning</a>. Beer for breakfast on the dock was quickly followed by a crab sandwich from the stand at Fisherman&#8217;s Grotto #9, and cracked crab from &#8220;the girls&#8221; at <a href="http://www.crabonline.com/">Alioto-Lazio Fish Company</a> later that night. </p>

<p>And <strong><a href="http://thegoldenglass.com/">The Golden Glass</a></strong> on Saturday was fantastico&#8212;so many incredible wines, and <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/assets/porchetta-goldenglass.jpg">the porchetta crew</a> from Italy blew my mind. Am having fun reading more about the wines I liked in the brand-new <a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/slow_wine:paperback"><em>Slow Wine</em> 2012 guide</a>&#8212;you can pick it up <a href="http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/slow_wine:paperback">here</a>.</p>

<p>I sure am pleased with how the weather synced up with my <strong><a href="http://kgoradio.com/sectional.asp?id=41539">You Gotta Eat This!</a></strong> feature on KGO Radio today. Yup, I talk about three of my picks for ramen: Hapa Ramen, Kirimachi, and Nombe. Have a listen&#8212;it&#8217;s less than two minutes.</p>

<p>So <strong>Valentine&#8217;s Day</strong> is next week, as my overflowing inbox full of press releases keeps reminding me every 15 minutes. Since we have so many great bakers in town, I included a <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/sweets-for-your-sweet/index.php">write-up of some sweet treats</a> you can buy for your honey, or your friends, or your own damn self! Meanwhile, I was happily surprised with a delivery of beautiful white roses from Whole Foods last week, and Gary Rulli stoked me with a box of his <a href="http://www.rulli.com/Artisan_Chocolates_32_piece_p/choc32.htm">delightful artisan chocolates</a> at The Golden Glass this past weekend. Really took a lot of pressure off my imaginary boyfriend, let me tell you.</p>

<p>Love and kisses!</p>

<p><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/who/"><img src="http://cdn.www.tablehopper.com/style/images/marcia-gagliardi.gif" alt="Marcia Gagliardi" width="108" height="20" class="signature" style="border: 0" /></a></p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T22:59:21Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">510 Openings: Oakland, Emeryville, and Berkeley</title>
<summary type="text">Opening sometime in May or June near Lake Merritt will be La Grande Jatte Kitchen. Owner May Seto (previously a GM at Delfina and wine buyer for The PlumpJack Group) is working alongside her mother to open this deli/diner that...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Future home of La Grande Jatte (will be on the far left). Photo courtesy of May Seto.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Opening sometime in May or June near Lake Merritt will be <a href="http://lagrandejattekitchen.com/"><strong class="place">~LA GRANDE JATTE KITCHEN~</strong></a>. Owner May Seto (previously a GM at Delfina and wine buyer for The PlumpJack Group) is working alongside her mother to open this deli/diner that will be focused initially on lunch. Think healthy and affordable sandwiches and salads, which you will be able to enjoy at the 12-seat counter or at some outdoor tables&#8212;or get something to go and enjoy it while sitting by the lake. Seto will also have a selection of beer and wine&#8212;she wants the neighborhood to have a good retail option. Construction should begin in March. Hours are TBD, but it should be open Mon-Sat. Stand by for more in coming months. 576 Grand Ave. at El Embarcadero, Oakland.</p>

<p>A friend pointed me to some ads on Craigslist for <a href="http://www.hotitalian.net/"><strong class="place">~HOT ITALIAN~</strong></a>, an import from Sacramento. I got in touch with one of the owners for details about the location, and she declined to share any info (not hot). But <a href="http://blogs.sacbee.com/dining/archives/2012/02/hot-italian-wil.html"><em>The Sacramento Bee</em></a> did get some info after all: the pizzeria will be opening in the Public Market in Emeryville. <a href="http://www.diablomag.com/D-blog/Diablo-Dish/January-2012/Weekly-Dish-Hot-Italian-Sighting/">Diablo Dish</a> chimes in with an anticipated opening of April. 5959 Shellmound St. at Powell, Berkeley.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.berkeleyside.com/2012/01/31/shop-talk-the-ins-and-outs-of-berkeley-businesses-19/">Berkeleyside</a> mentions <a href="http://berkeleyfreehouse.com/"><strong class="place">~FREE HOUSE~</strong></a> in the former Adagia space. Some posts on <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/free-house-berkeley">Yelp</a> (including some informative shilling) mention pub food like mac and cheese, and iceberg wedge salad, cassoulet, plus 15 beers on tap, a fireplace, and full bar. A tipster let me know the former chef at Monk&#8217;s Kettle (Kevin Kroger) is running the kitchen, so if some dishes seem familiar to you, now you know why. Mon-Fri 11am-12am, Sat 4pm-12am. 2700 Bancroft Way at College.</p>
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<published>2012-02-07T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T20:32:47Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">The Triumphant Return of Original Joe&apos;s</title>
<summary type="text">North Beach was buzzing over the weekend, and I think some older folks were popping a little more Lipitor than usual before heading over to check out Original Joe&#8217;s new home on Washington Square Park. The restaurant, which dates back...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Dining room. Photo by <a href="http://joeyderuy.com/">Joey DeRuy</a>.</p>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Deco mermaid. Photo by <a href="http://joeyderuy.com/">Joey DeRuy</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>North Beach was buzzing over the weekend, and I think some older folks were popping a little more Lipitor than usual before heading over to check out <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/original-joes/">~ORIGINAL JOE&#8217;S~</a></strong> new home on Washington Square Park. The restaurant, which dates back to 1937, tragically closed in October 2007 after a terrible fire ripped through the Tenderloin location (on Taylor Street). The Duggan family ultimately decided to move the restaurant to the space that previously housed Joe DiMaggio&#8217;s, and prior to that, the historic Fior d&#8217;Italia. </p>

<p>Kudos to the Duggan family (and Anthony Fish of Arcanum Architecture) for doing such a great job in integrating the classic OJ&#8217;s elements into the new location. The signature burgundy red booths were brought over (and some of the counter stools), redwood panels, Art Deco mermaids, a vintage neon exterior sign, and the exhibition kitchen counter is also in effect. There&#8217;s a separate cocktail lounge with a piano, two private rooms, and look for sidewalk seating in the spring. <a href="http://www.nbcbayarea.com/video/#!/the-scene/food-drink/Original-Joe-s-is-Back/137986308">NBC</a> shot this fun segment about the reopening.</p>

<p>On the menu: the same classic Italian-American style of dishes, like veal parmigiana, linguini and clams, and of course Joe&#8217;s special (I like it with an egg and Tabasco on top), plus some new lighter items as well. You can view the <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/assets/OriginalJoe%27sopeningmenuJan2012.pdf">menu here</a>. Classic cocktails include a Manhattan, Aviation, and Vesper; check out the <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/assets/OriginalJoe%27sOpeningCocktailMenuJan2012.pdf">menu here</a>. Hours are Sun-Wed 10:30am-10pm and Thu-Sat 10:30am-11pm. Reservations will be accepted starting in a couple of weeks. </p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:14Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:32:52Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Rex Cafe Transforming Into Marbella</title>
<summary type="text">A tablehopper reader tipped me off that after 18 years in business, Rex Cafe on Polk Street is converting into a Spanish restaurant. Partners Bob DiFranco and Daniel Mougeot will close Rex at the end of February, and after a...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Rex Cafe exterior; photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>A tablehopper reader tipped me off that after 18 years in business, <strong class="place">~REX CAFE~</strong> on Polk Street is converting into a Spanish restaurant. Partners Bob DiFranco and Daniel Mougeot will close Rex at the end of February, and after a month of refreshing the space, will reopen it as <strong class="place">~MARBELLA~</strong>, named after the coastal town in Spain. Instead of just small tapas plates, many dishes will be designed for groups to share. There will also be a new cocktail program, featuring fresh juices. Stand by for a menu and more details in coming months. 2323 Polk St. at Union, 415-441-2244.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:13Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T19:46:40Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Troya Fillmore Opening in Citizen Cake Space</title>
<summary type="text">One of the owners of Troya in the Richmond, Berk Kinalilar, emailed me last week to tell me Troya is opening a second location, Troya Fillmore, in the vacant Citizen Cake space. The menu will have the same Turkish focus...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Citizen Cake&#8217;s exterior. Photo by Rebecca Kinney. © <a href="http://tablehopper.com">tablehopper.com</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>One of the owners of <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/troya/">~TROYA~</a></strong> in the Richmond, Berk Kinalilar, emailed me last week to tell me Troya is opening a second location, <strong>Troya Fillmore</strong>, in the vacant Citizen Cake space. The menu will have the same Turkish focus (have you ever had their delicate and delicious manti?), but the <a href="http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2012/01/26/troya-is-taking-over-citizen-cakes-fillmore-space/">Scoop</a> elaborates more on the menu: &#8220;it will incorporate the entire eastern Mediterranean region. Expect mezes, small plates, and a few larger plates; it will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch on the weekends.&#8221; Look for an opening in a couple months. 2125 Fillmore St. at Sacramento.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/troya-fillmore-opening-in-citizen-cake-space/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:12Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:35:47Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">New Hires at St. Vincent</title>
<summary type="text">David Lynch is going full-tilt over at St. Vincent, his upcoming project on Valencia Street (in the former Heart space). Scoop announces Lynch has hired Bill Niles (Bar Tartine) as the chef&#8212;although Chris Kronner will still be consulting on food...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Former interior of Heart. Photo: © <a href="http://tablehopper.com">tablehopper.com</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>David Lynch is going full-tilt over at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/st-vincent/">~ST. VINCENT~</a></strong>, his upcoming project on Valencia Street (in the former Heart space). <a href="http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2012/01/27/st-vincent-adds-chef-bill-niles-and-beer-director-sayre-piotrkowski/">Scoop</a> announces Lynch has hired <strong>Bill Niles</strong> (Bar Tartine) as the chef&#8212;although Chris Kronner will still be consulting on food operations. The impending food style is described as &#8220;hearty, polished California fare.&#8221; </p>

<p>More news: Lynch has hired cicerone <strong>Sayre Piotrkowski</strong> (previously at Monk&#8217;s Kettle) to be the beer director, although he&#8217;ll be acting as a consultant. He will be designing the beer list, and is coordinating an all-brewery-direct draft program to insure the freshest beer. </p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/new-hires-at-st-vincent/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:11Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:37:15Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Hayes Valley News: Cafe Altano Closes, Nojo Begins Lunch Service</title>
<summary type="text">A tablehopper reader alerted me Cafe Altano in Hayes Valley has closed. (The owners are behind SOMA Restaurant &amp; Bar in the Pickwick at 85 5th Street and Mission) Here&#8217;s hoping someone with some crazy-delicious food moves in there, it&#8217;s...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>A tablehopper reader alerted me <a href="http://www.cafealtanosf.com"><strong class="place">~CAFE ALTANO~</strong></a> in Hayes Valley has closed. (The owners are behind SOMA Restaurant &amp; Bar in the Pickwick at 85 5th Street and Mission) Here&#8217;s hoping someone with some crazy-delicious food moves in there, it&#8217;s such a pretty corner space. 602 Hayes St. at Laguna.</p>

<p>Starting this Wednesday February 1st, <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/nojo/">~NOJO~</a></strong> in Hayes Valley is serving lunch Wed-Fri 11am-2:30pm. Dishes like the gyoza, a variety of soba dishes, a tonkatsu sandwich, and a bacon-wrapped hot dog (!) are all available. You can view the lunch menu <a href="http://www.nojosf.com/menu/lunch.php">here</a>.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:10Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T20:08:07Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Quickies: Open and Shut Cases</title>
<summary type="text">As previously mentioned in tablehopper, Gilberth&#8217;s Rotisserie &amp; Grill, from Gilberth Cab and Julia Rivera of The New Spot and Oralia&#8217;s is now (softly) open, according to the Dogpatch Howler. The Latin-fusion menu will feature dishes with Cuban, Puerto Rican,...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo of Mercury Lounge interior from Yelper <a href="http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=4mMbVyZgGlnaArXGnFlyQA">Rod P.</a></p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>As <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/dogpatch-happenings-gilberths-rotisserie-and-the-goat/">previously mentioned</a> in tablehopper, <strong class="place">~GILBERTH&#8217;S ROTISSERIE &AMP; GRILL~</strong>, from Gilberth Cab and Julia Rivera of <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/the-new-spot/">The New Spot</a> and Oralia&#8217;s is now (softly) open, according to the <a href="http://dogpatchhowler.com/2012/01/30/gilberths-rotisserie-grill-soft-opening/">Dogpatch Howler</a>. The Latin-fusion menu will feature dishes with Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Central American influences, like roasted pork neck with plantain mofongo, and Cuban baby back ribs with a guava glaze, fried plantains, and gallo pinto. And, of course, chicken off the rotisserie. Open daily 11am-3pm and 5pm-10:30pm. 2427-2429 3rd St. at 20th St.</p>

<p>Further up, <a href="http://mercurysf.com/"><strong class="place">~MERCURY LOUNGE~</strong></a> in SoMa is closing, according to <a href="http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2012/01/mercury_lounge_to_close_at_the.php">SFoodie</a>. The last day for dinner service is February 18th, though bar bites and drinks will continue through March 1st. Mercury chef Dominic Ainza reportedly cites the economy and competition from food trucks as contributing factors. 1582 Folsom St. at 12th St., 415-551-1582.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:09Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:41:14Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">News in Food Truck Land</title>
<summary type="text">SFoodie brings us news of an upcoming street food destination: SoMa Streat Food Park. Carlos Muela, who is behind the project, has just begun construction on the project at 346 11th Street at Division. Inspired by Portland&#8217;s non-mobile street food...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Rendering from soma strEAT food park&#8217;s <a href="http://somastreatfoodpark.com/">website</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2012/01/soma_food-truck_pod_breaks_gro.php">SFoodie</a> brings us news of an upcoming street food destination: <a href="http://somastreatfoodpark.com/"><strong class="place">~SOMA STREAT FOOD PARK~</strong></a>. Carlos Muela, who is behind the project, has just begun construction on the project at 346 11th Street at Division.</p>

<p>Inspired by Portland&#8217;s non-mobile street food scene, Muela hopes that providing a permanent street food park will make life easier for food truck vendors, who often have a hard time finding a place to situate themselves for business. The plan is for different trucks to rotate in and out of the park&#8217;s nine slots throughout the week, serving lunch and dinner (city permits allow them to serve until midnight). SFoodie also notes that &#8220;shelter for up to 200 diners, lights, and permanent restrooms&#8221; are part of the plans. The opening is still a couple months out.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:08Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:35:07Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">New Dishes to Hunt Down on the Weekend</title>
<summary type="text">Some new dishes to get you into trouble on the weekends. First, Lafitte is partnering with Petaluma Farms to serve an all-egg brunch menu on Saturdays, starting February 4th. You can also pick up eggs to bring home. 10am-2pm. You...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Some new dishes to get you into trouble on the weekends. First, <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/lafitte/">~LAFITTE~</a></strong> is partnering with Petaluma Farms to serve an <strong>all-egg brunch menu</strong> on Saturdays, starting February 4th. You can also pick up eggs to bring home. 10am-2pm.</p>

<p>You know that infamous <strong>Bacon Butter Burger</strong> at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/maverick/">~MAVERICK~</a></strong>? Yeah, the one that&#8217;s 70% cured Meyer chuck, 20% Oregon sweet cream butter, and 10% Nueske&#8217;s bacon. Starting Saturday February 4th, you can now <em>only</em> get it during brunch, and they promise to not run out. This monster comes loaded with a bacon pepper marmalade, Gruyère cheese, an onion ring, and jalapeño mayo on an Acme bun&#8212;it comes with fries, all for $13. </p>

<p><a href="http://sf.eater.com/archives/2012/01/30/anthony_mangieri_wire.php">Eater</a> brings word of a new pizza on Saturdays (only) at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/una-pizza-napoletana/">~UNA PIZZA NAPOLETANA~</a></strong>, the <strong>Apollonia</strong>. Named in honor of the Mangieris&#8217; daughter, it comes topped with salami, buffalo mozzarella, garlic, Alder Lane Farm eggs, Parmigiano, and basil. For those paying attention, this will be the first pizza on the menu with meat on it.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:07Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:36:45Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">While Demi Is Busy Huffing Mysterious Substances....</title>
<summary type="text">On Friday night, Ashton Kutcher came in to Zero Zero with two other people and had a few cocktails at the bar. My spy says, &#8220;He was wearing a baseball cap and hoodie, and seemed like he wanted to be...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>On Friday night, <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/ashton-kutcher">~Ashton Kutcher~</a></strong> came in to <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/zero-zero/index.php">Zero Zero</a> with two other people and had a few cocktails at the bar. My spy says, &#8220;He was wearing a baseball cap and hoodie, and seemed like he wanted to be under the radar. I think they had a good time!&#8221;</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/while-demi-is-busy-huffing-mysterious-substances/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:07Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:10:56Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Hunky Becks, Posh, and Baby Harper Seven at Bouchon</title>
<summary type="text">On Saturday, a tablehopper reader was enjoying a late lunch at Bouchon in Yountville, and who was at the other table but David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, and their baby Harper Seven. My spotter notes, &#8220;No bread or alcohol on the...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Yup, that&#8217;s Becks avec baby in the back of the photo. (Photo used with permission by Art Avitia.)</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>On Saturday, a tablehopper reader was enjoying a late lunch at <a href="http://www.bouchonbistro.com/">Bouchon</a> in Yountville, and who was at the other table but <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/david-beckham">~David Beckham~</a></strong>, <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/victoria-beckham">~Victoria Beckham~</a></strong>, and their baby Harper Seven. My spotter notes, &#8220;No bread or alcohol on the table (why eat?!), but I didn&#8217;t get to see exactly what they ordered. They had a long lunch. DB was looking EXTRA cute!&#8221; </p>

<p>My question is this: as cute as his new <a href="http://celebrity-gossip.net/david-beckham/david-beckham%E2%80%99s-super-bowl-underwear-ad-watch-now-581397">H&amp;M underwear ad</a>? Now, that&#8217;s cute.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/hunky-becks-posh-and-baby-harper-seven-at-bouchon/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:06Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:11:30Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Piggy Dinners: Brass Knuckle Pops Up and Oliveto&apos;s Whole Hog Dinners</title>
<summary type="text">On Friday February 3rd, Brass Knuckle will be popping up in Galette 88 with a four-course dinner called All Pigs Considered (click to see the menu and book your space). 6:30pm-11pm. $46. 88 Hardie Pl., off Kearny, between Bush and...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Galette 88 interior; photo by Rebecca Kinney. © <a href="http://tablehopper.com">tablehopper.com</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>On Friday February 3rd, <strong><a href="http://brassknucklesf.com">Brass Knuckle</a></strong> will be popping up in <strong class="place">~GALETTE 88~</strong> with a four-course dinner called <a href="http://brassknucklesf.com/SHOTGUN%21.html">All Pigs Considered</a> (click to see the menu and book your space). 6:30pm-11pm. $46. 88 Hardie Pl., off Kearny, between Bush and Sutter, 415-989-2222.</p>

<p>From Tuesday February 7th-Friday February 10th, <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/oliveto/">~OLIVETO~</a></strong> is hosting its famous <strong>Whole Hog dinners</strong>. The menu will have &#8220;a simpler focus on the rustic ways of traditional farm families. There will still be plenty of extraordinary dishes, with the core of the menu coming from the farmhouse and time-honored preparations.&#8221; Menus will be posted later this week, but some selections include frittole (preserved Calabrian confit of skin and trim with cannellini beans, frisée, and lemon), nodino alla Veneziana (salt-cured chops marinated with chile flake and coriander, cooked under a brick), fegatelli di maiale al finocchio (Tuscan-style grilled fennel-seed-crusted pork liver and crostini), penne alla norcina (Umbrian pork sausage with garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese), and fusilli con soffritto di maiale (Calabrian ragu of heart, liver, and kidney). Book your reservation now at 510-547-5356.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/piggy-dinners-brass-knuckle-pops-up-and-olivetos-whole-hog-dinners/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:06Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T19:52:30Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Unfortunate Fire at Great China</title>
<summary type="text">I was so sorry to read in Eater about the flue fire that broke out in between Great China and Razan&#8217;s Organic Kitchen in downtown Berkeley. No word on when Great China will reopen (the damage sadly sounds pretty extensive)...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Great China&#8217;s incredible Peking duck. Photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I was so sorry to read in <a href="http://sf.eater.com/archives/2012/01/26/kitchen_fire_maims_two_downtown_berkeley_restaurants.php">Eater</a> about the flue fire that broke out in between <a href="http://greatchinaberkeley.com/"><strong class="place">~GREAT CHINA~</strong></a> and <a href="http://razansorganickitchen.com/"><strong class="place">~RAZAN&#8217;S ORGANIC KITCHEN~</strong></a> in downtown Berkeley. No word on when Great China will reopen (the damage sadly sounds pretty extensive) but Razan&#8217;s was not damaged in the fire. Razan&#8217;s, 2119 Kittredge St. at Fulton, Berkeley, 510-486-0449. Great China, 2115 Kittredge St. at Fulton, Berkeley, 510-843-7996.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/unfortunate-fire-at-great-china/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:05Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:13:35Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Pretty Woman Spotted in St. Helena</title>
<summary type="text">A tablehopper tweeter let me know she spotted Julia Roberts at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena this past Saturday having lunch. A cryptic tweet from @bluebottleroast also alludes to a potential sighting here in the city....</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>A tablehopper tweeter let me know she spotted <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/julia-roberts">~Julia Roberts~</a></strong> at <a href="http://www.longmeadowranch.com/Farmstead-Restaurant">Farmstead</a> at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena this past Saturday having lunch. </p>

<p>A cryptic <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/bluebottleroast/status/164154279656038400">tweet</a> from @bluebottleroast also alludes to a potential sighting here in the city.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/pretty-woman-spotted-in-st-helena/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:05Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:11:54Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Fly Guy</title>
<summary type="text">On Friday, a globetrotting &#8216;hopper reader spotted Sean Penn at Lark Creek Grill in SFO airport&#8217;s Terminal 2....</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>On Friday, a globetrotting &#8216;hopper reader spotted <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/sean-penn">~Sean Penn~</a></strong> at <a href="http://larkcreekgrill.com/">Lark Creek Grill</a> in SFO airport&#8217;s Terminal 2.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/fly-guy/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:04Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T09:21:02Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Jack London Market Plans Have Changed</title>
<summary type="text">Grub Street highlighted an SF Business Times article about the change in plans at Jack London Square. Instead of the Jack London Market, the Ferry Building Marketplace-esque large public market that was supposed to open, &#8220;they are now, instead, looking...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>The future home of mystery tenants. Photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com/2012/01/update-on-jack-london-market-oakland.html">Grub Street</a> highlighted an <em>SF Business Times</em> <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2012/01/27/oakland-food-hall-plan-shifts-to.html">article</a> about the change in plans at Jack London Square. Instead of the <a href="http://www.jacklondonmarket.com/">Jack London Market</a>, the Ferry Building Marketplace-esque large public market that was supposed to open, &#8220;they are now, instead, looking for food manufacturing tenants to fill the vacant space.&#8221; Stand by for updates.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/jack-london-square-public-market-plans-have-changed/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:04Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T06:26:02Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Changes at Picán: Chef Dean Dupuis Departing</title>
<summary type="text">I learned in a Studio Gourmet email last Friday that chef Dean Dupuis was leaving Oakland&#8217;s Picán. More details have been officially released: Dupuis is leaving to join DC chef and restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier at Revel, an upcoming Atlantic City...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>I learned in a <a href="http://www.studiogourmetsf.com/">Studio Gourmet</a> email last Friday that chef Dean Dupuis was leaving Oakland&#8217;s <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/pican/">~PICÁN~</a></strong>. More details have been officially released: Dupuis is leaving to join DC chef and restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier at Revel, an upcoming Atlantic City resort, where he will be the chef de cuisine. In the meantime, owner-founder Michael LeBlanc is going to be heading to the South to find a replacement chef. </p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/changes-at-pican-chef-dean-dupuis-departing/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:03Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T21:37:49Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Two Funny Guys Walk Into a Restaurant....</title>
<summary type="text">On Wednesday, a tablehopper reader went to see the Eddie Izzard and Greg Proops conversation at the Palace of Fine Arts as part of SketchFest. Afterward, the reader went to dinner at nopa and who should come in but Eddie...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>On Wednesday, a tablehopper reader went to see the <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/eddie-izzard">~Eddie Izzard~</a></strong> and <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/greg-proops">~Greg Proops~</a></strong> conversation at the Palace of Fine Arts as part of SketchFest. Afterward, the reader went to dinner at <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/nopa/index.php">nopa</a> and who should come in but Eddie and Greg with some friends? Good taste all around.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/two-funny-guys-walk-into-a-restaurant/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:03Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T09:23:17Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Dudes Getting Their Drink On</title>
<summary type="text">While downing bottomless mimosas on Sunday at Eastside West, a gaggle of gals spotted musician/reality show star Ryan Cabrera (known for dating Ashlee Simpson and others). He was sporting his signature porcupine &#8216;do under his fedora and sunglasses indoors (yeah,...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>While downing bottomless mimosas on Sunday at <a href="http://eswsf.com/">Eastside West</a>, a gaggle of gals spotted musician/reality show star <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/ryan-cabrera">~Ryan Cabrera~</a></strong> (known for dating Ashlee Simpson and others). He was sporting his signature porcupine &#8216;do under his fedora and sunglasses indoors (yeah, totally normal) while sipping Manhattans. </p>

<p>Rumor has it <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/ben-flajnik">~Ben Flajnik~</a></strong> of <em>The Bachelor</em> was also there that morning. </p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/dudes-getting-their-drink-on/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:02Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T08:43:23Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Alameda&apos;s Acapulco Is Reopening</title>
<summary type="text">A post on Chowhound mentions a taker for Alameda&#8217;s Acapulco Restaurant. The post says, &#8220;Mike (owner of Paradise Grill and Best Burger in San Leandro and Paradiso at Willow Park in Castro Valley) has purchased Acapulcos and is revamping the...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Acapulco exterior. Yelp photo by <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/user_details?userid=-4BEUkLvHQntN6qPfKJP2w">Greg G.</a></p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>A post on <a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830784">Chowhound</a> mentions a taker for Alameda&#8217;s <a href="http://www.acapulcorestaurant.net/"><strong class="place">~ACAPULCO RESTAURANT~</strong></a>. The post says, &#8220;Mike (owner of Paradise Grill and Best Burger in San Leandro and Paradiso at Willow Park in Castro Valley) has purchased Acapulcos and is revamping the interior and the food. He&#8217;s purchased the recipes, but says that, while he&#8217;ll use them as a basis, he plans to include homemade sauces, etc. Planning permits, etc. are troublesome in Alameda, but he hopes to open in March. Also, NO MORE wine margaritas. He&#8217;s working on the liqour license, too.&#8221; That was one informative post, thanks. 2104 Lincoln Ave. at Willow, Alameda.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/alamedas-acapulco-is-reopening/</id>
<link rel="alternate" href="http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/alamedas-acapulco-is-reopening/" type="application/xhtml+xml" hreflang="en" />
<published>2012-01-31T23:00:02Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T19:59:43Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Meet Alchemy Collective, a New Café in Berkeley</title>
<summary type="text">Now open in Berkeley is Alchemy Collective, a teeny-tiny coop café that some will recognize as the cart that was previously in the parking lot of BioFuel Oasis. The partners are serving Verve on a La Marzocco machine (it&#8217;s on...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>The former storefront, which is now Alchemy. Photo from Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Now open in Berkeley is <a href="http://www.alchemycollective.com/"><strong class="place">~ALCHEMY COLLECTIVE~</strong></a>, a teeny-tiny coop café that some will recognize as the cart that was previously in the parking lot of BioFuel Oasis. The partners are serving Verve on a La Marzocco machine (it&#8217;s on the cart they built), and be sure to check out the custom drip contraption they made as well. 3140 Martin Luther King Jr. Way at the Adeline split, Berkeley.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T19:59:28Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">La Paulée de San Francisco  Returns</title>
<summary type="text">Burgundy lovers already have February 22nd-25th marked off on their calendars, when renowned sommelier Daniel Johnnes hosts his 12th annual La Paulée in San Francisco and Napa Valley. There will be a variety of wine tastings and dinners highlighting more...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo by Ed Anderson.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Burgundy lovers already have February 22nd-25th marked off on their calendars, when renowned sommelier Daniel Johnnes hosts his 12th annual <a href="http://www.lapaulee.com"><strong class="place">~LA PAULÉE~</strong></a> in San Francisco and Napa Valley. There will be a variety of wine tastings and dinners highlighting <a href="http://www.lapaulee.com/winemakers.html">more than 30 of the most sought-­after Domaines of Burgundy</a>. Look for both newer releases and older vintages being poured by visiting winemakers and over 50 of the top <a href="http://www.lapaulee.com/sommeliers.html">sommeliers</a> in the U.S.</p>

<p>Some events are already sold out, but there are still tickets to dinners, tastings, and seminars. At the <strong>grand tasting</strong> on Saturday February 25th (shockingly there are still tickets available, $300), there will be wines and winemakers from all 33 Domaines, over 100 wines in all, along with food prepared by top restaurants. </p>

<p>And the famed <strong>gala dinner</strong> ($1,400)&#8212; prepared by chefs Daniel Boulud, Romain Chapel, Thomas Keller, Christopher Kostow, and Michael Mina&#8212;will feature wines from all of the attending growers. In the tradition of <a href="http://www.lapaulee.com/history.html">La Paulée de Meursault</a>, guests are invited to bring treasures from their cellars to share, knowing that their generosity will be reciprocated tenfold. There&#8217;s also a charity auction during the gala dinner, with 100% of the proceeds going to The Bocuse d&#8217;Or USA Foundation and Meals On Wheels of San Francisco.</p>

<p>This year also marks the inaugural <strong><a href="http://www.lapaulee.com/restaurant_week.html">La Paulée de San Francisco Burgundy Week</a></strong>, from February 13th-24th. San Francisco restaurant partners (like Frances, Boulevard, A16, Benu, and more) will be featuring a special selection of Burgundies on their wine lists and menus. So even if you don&#8217;t have $1,400 to blow on the dinner of the decade, you can still enjoy some gorgeous Burgundies out on the town. <em>Salud!</em></p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T22:35:52Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">A Few Dining Out Ideas for Valentine&apos;s Day</title>
<summary type="text">If there was a night I&#8217;d like to stay in and cook with my imaginary sweetheart, Valentine&#8217;s Day would be it. But since there are a bunch of folks out there who insist on dining out on THE DAY, here...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Valentine&#8217;s Day shortbread cookies by Batter Bakery; photo from <a href="http://www.batterbakery.com/gallery.html">website</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>If there was a night I&#8217;d like to stay in and cook with my imaginary sweetheart, <strong class="place">~VALENTINE&#8217;S DAY~</strong> would be it. But since there are a bunch of folks out there who insist on dining out on THE DAY, here are a few menus that caught my eye at places I&#8217;d consider appropriate for the occasion. Truth be told, every restaurant in town is doing something that night.</p>

<p>Loretta Keller and Michael Morrison of <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/coco500/">~COCO500~</a></strong> have this special V-Day tasting menu lined up: chilled oysters and spicy grilled sausage, or hearts of palm salad, pistachio, chèvre, medjool dates; farm egg raviolo, black truffle, parmesan, or 
potato gnocchi, Cape Cod scallops, tatsoi, Meyer lemon; grilled New York strip, cauliflower leek spoonbread, mustard greens, or roasted sea bass, artichoke, porcini mushroom hollandaise; and bittersweet chocolate and coffee vacherin, or tropical fruit triptych. $85, wine pairing additional $40.</p>

<p><strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/absinthe-brasserie-bar/">~ABSINTHE BRASSERIE &AMP; BAR~</a></strong> will offer a three-course, American-influenced French brasserie dinner. Your choices will include Sonoma foie gras torchon with Asian pears, citrus confit, pistachio butter, and brioche; pan-roasted ivory salmon with butter beans, Brussels sprouts, and blood orange-black mussel broth; and vanilla cheesecake with hibiscus meringue, rooibos tea, pistachio crumble, and olive oil cake. $68 excluding tax and gratuity, wine pairings menu additional $39.</p>

<p>Relative newcomer <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/aq/">~AQ~</a></strong> is giving you a choice of ordering from a limited à la carte menu, or their prix-fixe Love &amp; Passion tasting menu with dishes like lobster and sea urchin with radish braised with apple juice and preserved pink pepper; pumpkin swordfish crusted with seeds, sweet potato, and ginger; rabbit roasted with laurel leaves with herbed cereals and walnuts with salsify; and rib-eye aged on the bone smoked in hay, root beer, fennel, and parsnip. Vegetarian tasting menu available upon request. $65 excluding tax and gratuity. </p>

<p><strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/foreign-cinema/">~FOREIGN CINEMA~</a></strong>&#8217;s four-course Valentine&#8217;s Day prix-fixe will have options available for the second, third, and dessert courses, and includes a glass of Champagne. Plus they&#8217;ll have music (6:30pm-10pm) by the Gaucho Gypsy Jazz Band. $105 excluding tax and gratuity. </p>

<p>East Bay diners and those on a budget, <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/ajanta/">~AJANTA~</a></strong> in Berkeley is serving their regular à la carte menu, or choose their three-course chef&#8217;s tasting menu ($25) with a choice of three appetizers and four main courses including chicken, lamb, or seafood. It all comes with a vegetable, rice, onion naan, chutneys, pickles, yogurt raita, and dessert. A vegetarian prix-fixe option is also available ($22).</p>

<p>One more tip: there are a bunch of openings on <a href="http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=102&amp;m=4">OpenTable</a>&#8212;take a look and see what comes up (Ideale in North Beach had tables open&#8212;Florio on Fillmore does too, and cute little South Park Café). And remember, if you have your heart set on a place, it&#8217;s always a good policy to call the restaurant and see if you can get a table.</p>

<p><em>Update</em>: One more V-Day option: catch <a href="http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/92103?utm_medium=bks"><strong>Dinner and a Flick</strong></a> with graffEats, Noise Pop, and the Disposable Film Festival for a five-course meal featuring &#8220;covers&#8221; of dishes from the Bay Area&#8217;s best chefs, plus three drink pairings, pre-dinner cocktail hour, and BYOB with no corkage. $85 suggested donation; 21+. 7pm. 34 Page St. at Franklin.</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-07T22:25:15Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Where Tight Ends Eat</title>
<summary type="text">49er tight end Vernon Davis dined not once but twice at the new Oryza Bistro Asiana that just opened in San Jose&#8217;s Valley Fair Mall across from Santana Row. He liked lunch so much that he and his wife came...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>49er tight end <strong class="star"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/starlet/vernon-davis">~Vernon Davis~</a></strong> dined not once but twice at the new <a href="http://www.oryzabistro.com">Oryza Bistro Asiana</a> that just opened in San Jose&#8217;s Valley Fair Mall across from Santana Row. He liked lunch so much that he and his wife came back for dinner within a few days; he <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/VernonDavis85/status/162811132011225088">tweeted</a>, &#8220;I must say that Oryza has the potential to be on my all time favorite restaurant list.&#8221;</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:01Z</published>
<updated>2012-02-01T20:05:53Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">the final stretch.</title>
<summary type="text">After two months of grinding away on this computer for more time than is even remotely healthy, I can see the strobe light at the end of the two-month work tunnel. Yup, I&#8217;ll be turning in my final guidebook copy...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Baumé&#8217;s carrot terrine and turbot with &#8220;spirit of Vichy&#8221; foam. Photo: © <a href="http://tablehopper.com">tablehopper.com</a>.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>After two months of grinding away on this computer for more time than is even remotely healthy, <strong>I can see the strobe light at the end of the two-month work tunnel</strong>. Yup, I&#8217;ll be turning in my final guidebook copy on Thursday, cracking my knuckles, doing some warm-up stretches, and hitting the dancefloor HARD on Thursday night. Gotta shake off a lot of desk chair bad mojo, let me tell you. Total cabin fever. </p>

<p>At least I&#8217;ve been exiting my abode a few times a week for some incredible meals. Yes, restaurant research rocks. I can&#8217;t even begin to tell you how blown away I was with my experience at <strong><a href="http://www.baumerestaurant.com/">Baumé Restaurant</a></strong> last week in Palo Alto. So worth the trip. Very much looking forward to writing that one up for y&#8217;all.</p>

<p>I also met up with friends for arancini with scamorza and wild nettle pizza (with an egg on top, of course) at <strong><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/ragazza/">Ragazza</a></strong>, and swung by <strong><a href="http://www.butterflysf.com/">Butterfly</a></strong> for their <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/socialite/celebrate-the-lunar-new-year--release-the-dragon/">Lunar New Year/Dungeness crab menu</a> (which you only have a few more days to enjoy). I adored the crab and sea urchin hand rolls with yuzu kosho vinaigrette and toasted nori, and the salt and red chile crab with crab fried black rice.</p>

<p>Am looking forward to hitting the <a href="http://thegoldenglass.com/"><strong>The Golden Glass</strong></a> this Saturday&#8212;there are still (surprisingly) tickets left for this fantastic event. I am gonna hit the Librandi table so fast, you have no idea. The <a href="http://thegoldenglass.com/food/">lineup of food artisans and restaurants</a> is also notable. </p>

<p>I expect this weekend is going to be a whole hell of a lot better than this last Saturday, when I was greeted with the unwelcome news that <a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/assets/alfacrunched.jpg">a retaining wall came down on my beloved Alfa Romeo</a>, crunching the nose and hood. Nope, so <em>not</em> meow. Looks like someone is going to be in the shop for a while.</p>

<p>Before signing off, here&#8217;s today&#8217;s episode of <strong><a href="http://kgoradio.com/sectional.asp?id=41539">You Gotta Eat This</a></strong>, in which I talk about secret menu items on KGO Radio.</p>

<p>Have a swell week, and we will return to our regular tablehopper programming (which includes reviews) next week! Thanks for bearing with me&#8212;these writing projects have been a bear (I could also make a joke about feeling like a bear in a cave, but I&#8217;ll stop.)</p>

<p><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/who/"><img src="http://cdn.www.tablehopper.com/style/images/marcia-gagliardi.gif" alt="Marcia Gagliardi" width="108" height="20" class="signature" style="border: 0" /></a></p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T22:34:33Z</updated>
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<entry>
<title type="text">Deals on Bubbly and Vino this Month</title>
<summary type="text">Happy Birfday to District in SoMa, which is turning five (yup, that&#8217;s five years of getting countless young professionals hooked up). As a thanks to patrons, during the month of February, all guests can order a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte...</summary>
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              <small style="display:block; margin-top:3px;"><p>Photo from Café des Amis via Facebook.</p>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Happy Birfday to <a href="http://www.districtsf.com"><strong class="place">~DISTRICT~</strong></a> in SoMa, which is turning five (yup, that&#8217;s five years of getting countless young professionals hooked up). As a thanks to patrons, during the month of February, all guests can order a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte Blue Label Champagne for just $5 (normally $20 a glass); limit of one glass per person per visit. 216 Townsend St. at 3rd St., 415-896-2120.</p>

<p>Every Tuesday evening at <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/cafe-des-amis/">~CAFÉ DES AMIS~</a></strong>, the <a href="http://cafedesamissf.com/files/Image/117/CdA%20Wine%20Menu%20FINAL.pdf">entire list of wines by the bottle</a> is available for <strong>half price</strong>. Um, yeah. With over 300 French selections, and some from California, you have your work cut out for you. Tuesday nights, 5pm-11pm.</p>

<p>And on Saturday February 11th, you can stock up your Valentine&#8217;s Day stash at <a href="http://www.bubblelounge.com/"><strong class="place">~THE BUBBLE LOUNGE~</strong></a>, which is hosting a second <strong>Love POP-UP Tasting &amp; Sale party</strong> featuring grower Champagne from Thierry Thiese Selections (including Rene Geoffroy Rosé, Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs, Gaston Chicquet, and Vilmart), 12 selections from <a href="http://returntoterroir.com/">Return to Terroir</a>, and The Bubble Lounge&#8217;s Bubbly Imports Champagne exclusives Fleury Carte de l&#8217;Europe and Couche Zero Dosage. There will also be a chocolate truffle-making atelier whereby guests can learn the art of making chocolate truffles, and buy them to take home, plus master saberer Marisa Ceballos, West Coast Director of The Bubble Lounge, will teach the skill and art of sabering.</p>

<p>Print out the coupon (<a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/assets/ValentinePopUpSquareFlyer.jpg">click here</a>) and bring it in for an additional <strong>10% off</strong> (you can also use the discount all month long in the <a href="http://eboutique.bubblelounge.com/storefront.aspx">e-boutique</a>). Large orders placed on Saturday can be delivered on Monday the 13th, and discounts will be offered on half and full cases along with free membership for the new Bubble Lounge Bubbly Club. 2pm-7pm. $10 (to be redeemed upon purchase). Also, <a href="mailto:sfinfo@bubblelounge.com">submit</a> your love story of 500 words or less by February 9th to enter to win a $200 certificate to the Love Pop-Up store online or at the event on the 11th. 714 Montgomery St. at Columbus, 415-434-4204.</p>
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<id>http://www.tablehopper.com/lush/deals-on-bubbly-and-vino-this-month/</id>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T20:46:36Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">Valentine&apos;s Events That Have Nothing to Do With Dinner</title>
<summary type="text">Dinner out on Valentine&#8217;s Day is pretty much expected, so maybe you&#8217;re looking for a different way to celebrate on a day that&#8217;s a little less crazy. And singles, especially single cyclists, there&#8217;s an event here for you too. La...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p>Dinner out on Valentine&#8217;s Day is pretty much expected, so maybe you&#8217;re looking for a different way to celebrate on a day that&#8217;s a little less crazy. And singles, especially single cyclists, there&#8217;s an event here for you too.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.lalunacupcakes.com/">La Luna Cupcakes</a>, <a href="http://www.neococoa.com/">Neo Cocoa</a>, and <a href="http://kikastreats.com/">Kika&#8217;s Treats</a> are working in conjunction with La Cocina to host a <a href="http://valentinesdayssweets.eventbrite.com/"><strong class="place">~VALENTINE&#8217;S DAY SWEETS~</strong></a> class on Wednesday February 8th, 6:30pm-9pm. Students will make truffles, caramels, and cupcakes, then box up the handmade goodies to make a special handmade gift. The class includes a sit-down dinner with red wine. <a href="http://valentinesdayssweets.eventbrite.com/">Tickets</a> are $65, $95 with apron. 2948 Folsom St. at 25th St.</p>

<p>Also on February 8th, the <a href="http://www.sfbike.org/">SF Bicycle Coalition</a> is putting on a <strong>dating game</strong> for cyclists, and you&#8217;re invited to join in, whether you just wanna watch folks pedal off on a first date, or you want to <strong>be a contestant</strong> yourself! <a href="http://www.sfbike.org/?love"><strong class="place">~LOVE ON WHEELS~</strong></a> starts at 6pm at Public Works, and don&#8217;t forget there&#8217;s a raffle. $5 for members and $10 for non-members; proceeds benefit the SF Bicycle Coalition. 21+ only. Complimentary bike valet provided. 161 Erie St. at Mission.</p>

<p>For the second year, the <a href="http://www.sresproductions.com/union_street_valentine_wine_walk.html"><strong class="place">~UNION STREET HAS A CRUSH ON YOU VALENTINE WINE WALK~</strong></a> will have businesses on Union Street (Gough to Steiner) and Fillmore Street (Union to Lombard) offering wine samples, finger foods, and special treats to those who&#8217;ve purchased a ticket/wristband. This wine tasting event takes place Thursday February 9th, 4pm-8pm; you&#8217;ll be provided with a wine glass and a map of all the tasting locations. Participating this year are Terra Sávia, Real Food Co., Alder Springs Vineyard, American Cupcake, and many more merchants, restaurants, and wineries. See the <a href="http://www.sresproductions.com/union_street_valentine_participants.html">complete list here</a>. Tickets are $30 <a href="http://valentinewinewalk2012.eventbrite.com/">online</a>, or $35 the day of in front of The Metro (2055 Union St. at Webster). </p>

<p>Here&#8217;s your chance to get out on the field at AT&amp;T Park: <a href="http://www.sfghfoundation.net/hearts_after_dark/tickets.html"><strong class="place">~HEARTS AFTER DARK~</strong></a>, benefitting San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, will have ball park-inspired hors d&#8217;oeuvres, cocktails, and music under the stars, plus chef Hubert Keller is one of the DJs. Thursday February 9th, 7pm-10pm. <a href="http://www.sfghfoundation.net/hearts_after_dark/tickets.html">Tickets online</a>: $75 general admission, $175 VIP. 24 Willie Mays Plaza at 3rd and King Sts.</p>

<p>Browse the Ferry Building the evening of Friday February 10th, 5pm-8pm, for <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/ffth_2012.php"><strong class="place">~FOOD FROM THE HEART~</strong></a>, a fundraiser for Slow Food San Francisco. Amidst candlelight, tango dancing, and classical music, merchants and restaurants will offer seasonal hors d&#8217;oeuvres and chocolate tastings ($2-$6) while vintners pour Napa Valley wine samples ($4). Entrance to the event is free. On Saturday February 10th, continue the pre-Valentine preparations with special offers from merchants while music fills the air.</p>

<p>Ok, so this one is a dinner option, but it&#8217;s a good one if you want to celebrate early. <strong class="place"><a href="http://www.tablehopper.com/biz/jardiniere/">~JARDINIÈRE~</a></strong> is offering a Monday night (February 13th) prix-fixe menu that&#8217;s less pricey than their V-Day menu but still festive: they&#8217;re calling it Love Is in the Air, and it&#8217;s $49 for three courses including wine pairings. Here&#8217;s the menu: celery root bisque, local Dungeness crab, tarragon, and preserved lemon (paired with Qupé &#8220;Bien Nacido &#8216;Y&#8217; Block&#8221; Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2010); Meyer Ranch hanger steak, wild mushroom and potato pavé, sauce Bordelaise (Catena Malbec, Vista Flores, Argentina 2008); and chocolate, toffee, vanilla, and passion fruit (Warre&#8217;s &#8220;Otima&#8221; Ten Year Tawny Port, Portugal). The featured cocktail ($10) will be the Bourbon Enchantress (bourbon, ruby port, Combier, lemon, orange bitters). Reservations required. </p>

<p>Love you!</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T23:00:00Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T20:01:52Z</updated>
</entry>
    

    
    
    
<entry>
<title type="text">(Sponsored): How About We ... Get Offline on Real Dates!</title>
<summary type="text">HowAboutWe.com is a new kind of dating site for people who want to get offline. It&#8217;s free to sign up and easy to use. Just say &#8220;How About We &#8230;&#8221; and fill in the blank with the date you want...</summary>
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  <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.howaboutwe.com/welcome?t=l&amp;source=tablehopper&amp;channel=email"><strong>HowAboutWe.com</strong></a> is a new kind of dating site for people who want to get <em>off</em>line. It&#8217;s free to sign up and easy to use. Just say &#8220;How About We &#8230;&#8221; and fill in the blank with the date you want to go on.</p>

<p><em>&#8220;How About We &#8230; split a world-famous pie at Tony&#8217;s Pizza Napoletana.&#8221;</em></p>

<p><em>&#8220;How About We &#8230; sit at the bar and eat nigiri at ICHI.&#8221;</em></p>

<p>You get the idea. Just say what you want to do, find other people who like what you like, and go out. Join free at <a href="http://www.howaboutwe.com/welcome?t=l&amp;source=tablehopper&amp;channel=email"><strong>HowAboutWe.com</strong></a> and start dating <em>off</em>line today!</p>
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<published>2012-01-31T20:00:10Z</published>
<updated>2012-01-31T22:42:13Z</updated>
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