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Aug 13, 2012 24 min read

August 14, 2012 - This week's tablehopper: my cherie amour.

August 14, 2012 - This week's tablehopper: my cherie amour.
Table of Contents

This week's tablehopper: my cherie amour.                    

My sassy sis getting ready to take down some Little Skillet chicken-and-waffle love at Outside Lands. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Whoa, that was quite the weekend: two incredible days of music at Outside Lands, with a whole crunch of work in the middle—not my ideal sandwich cookie, but at least it wasn’t the other way around. Love discovering new bands to listen to (Electric Guest, Washed Out, Yacht, Tennis, Tanlines [no, I am not making these up)], Bomba Estereo) and seeing some seriously fabulous performers live (Santigold, Jack White). Oh yeah, and then there’s STEVIE freaking WONDER. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people sing along, it was heart-melting. And I had a veritable backup band of Irish girls behind me singing their hearts out.

The food was also pretty fantastic (lamb poutine for the win) and I wish I could drink the Sierra Nevada Outside Lands saison all year. It’s all about arriving on two wheels. (Friday night I was on my friend’s motorcycle, and Sunday was by bike—who knew so many people had bikes in this town? Awesome!)

Which brings us to our next weekend extravaganza: the SF Street Food Festival! It all kicks off Friday night with the Night Market (did you catch the special tablehopper deal on tickets?), followed by the actual festival on Saturday. Here’s a handy-dandy map so you can see what’s up.

I’d like you to pay particular attention to CC-1 (between 22nd and 23rd streets), which is where you will find the tablehopper table, right across from Hawker Fare! No, I won’t be serving food or booze, but you will be able to check out the complete and brand-new line of tablehopper T-shirts! There are five styles, all featuring vintage San Francisco restaurant and bar logos, on supersoft cotton! Yeah, they’re pretty damn sweet. Plus there is a hoodie too (a mandatory item in our chilly city). We don’t have an online store up yet, so we’re just doing in-person sales for now—come on by and be one of the first to rock a tablehopper tee!

Let’s count from 1 to 100: first, big congrats to State Bird Provisions for being named no. 1 in Bon Appétit’s Top 10 list of America’s Best New Restaurants! So very exciting and well deserved. And tomorrow would have been Julia Child’s 100th birthday—I shall raise a roasted chicken leg in her honor (and an adult beverage). Save the liver! Cue Dan Aykroyd.

Lastly, did you catch my piece on 7x7 last week on five of my favorite hangover cures? Also, today on You Gotta Eat This on KGO Radio, I share my love for Ajanta in Berkeley.

Enjoy the week, dearies.

Marcia Gagliardi


the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Ravi Kapur Will Be a Guest Chef at Piccino for Two Months

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Ravi Kapur cooking for Liholiho Yacht Club during its stint at State Bird Provisions. Photo via Facebook.

Very exciting news for fans of chef Ravi Kapur (Liholiho Yacht Club) and PICCINO in Dogpatch: starting the week of August 26th, Kapur is going to stand in as guest chef for the months of September and October. I know, win-win! The partners are currently deep in discussion with a new candidate for the executive chef position, and they hope/plan to make another announcement in November.

In the meantime, partner Margherita Stewart Sagan shares, “We have known Ravi since the old days of ‘little Piccino’ (as we redundantly and lovingly call the previous location!) when Ravi and Stuart Brioza dazzled our customers in one unforgettable guest appearance in which the two of them cooked together! He is a wonderful human being besides being a very talented chef and we anticipate a lot of delighted customers at our tables!” Indeed.

As for changes to the menu, Kapur adds: “The menu is seasonally driven, so naturally I will change dishes as determined by our local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. There will definitely be some twists in the menu offerings. But as far as the food goes, there’s no way I will jeopardize what they’ve built. The ownership has such a strong presence in the neighborhood and a loyal following and I admire that.” It’s been almost a year since he’s been outside of a professional kitchen, and he’s looking forward to the day-to-day of the restaurant.

In the meantime, you can catch Kapur at the next installments of his Liholiho Yacht Club pop-up at STATE BIRD PROVISIONS on Sunday August 19th (12 family-style courses for $50 per person, plus beverages and tip) and the Scoop mentions he’ll be doing an à la carte menu (“pupu style”) on Monday August 20th at MISSION BOWLING CLUB. Bonus: “Kevin Diedrich of Jasper’s will also be there slinging island cocktails.”

Piccino            - 1001 Minnesota St. San Francisco - 415-824-4224

Lolinda Now Open in the Former Medjool Space

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The entryway, with roses and a carved wood screen. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

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The ground floor dining area and bar. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

A report by Dana Massey-Todd: Another week, another enormous new restaurant opens in the Mission. This week it’s LOLINDA, the latest project from Adriano Paganini of Starbelly, Delarosa, Super Duper, and Beretta. As previously reported on tablehopper, the new spot takes over the previous Medjool space and, yes, the roof deck will be happening—but not for a few months. In the meantime, the restaurant is open, with a focus on everything Argentine. It seats more than 200 on the ground-floor and mezzanine levels. Each level has its own full bar, with wine, beer, and a solid selection of cocktails. In the wine department, look for Argentine bottles, of course, as well as pours from Chile, Portugal, and Spain. Cocktails will be from bar manager Lane Ford, who is coming over from Beretta to create both traditional and creative options.

As mentioned above, the space is huge, and the décor fits with the Argentine theme. The tables are large, with rough-hewn wooden tops and bases of wrought metal that have the look of barn equipment or wagon wheels, as do the light fixtures. Turns out the table bases are indeed salvaged from factory equipment, so it is all muy auténtico. The high ceilings and mezzanine level add to the feeling of being in a fancy barn. But the gaucho rusticity is also sophisticated, with dim lighting, a tango-influenced soundtrack, and a sleek aesthetic. A mural of a bull, painted by local artist Shawn Feeney, covers one wall. Tufted leather banquettes are a cozy spot for a hot date, but there’s plenty of space for groups too.

The food, developed by chef Alejandro Morgan, sticks to classic Argentine dishes. At the opening party, there were empanadas of beef, corn, or chicken, ceviches, and a variety of skewered grilled meats. They are also serving choripán, the classic sandwich of chorizo and chimichurri on a crusty roll. The focus, of course, is on various cuts of grilled beef (seven cuts, all grass-fed and grain-finished), and they’ve got a few offal offerings too (hello, tripe). You can look at the menu here (along with the cocktail and wine list). Hours are Sun-Thu 5:30pm-12am and Fri-Sat 5:30pm-1am. 2518 Mission St. at 21st St., 415-550-6970.

Lolinda            - 2518 Mission St. San Francisco - 415-550-6970

New Project Moving Into the Old Tao Café Has a Name: Company

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The front of Tao Café. Photo courtesy Noe Valley Local blog.

As previously mentioned on tablehopper, TAO CAFÉ at Guerrero and 22nd Street has closed down. There is now word on the next chapter for the location! Original Tao owner Thuy Nguyen is opening a new venture in the space, called COMPANY. According to Nguyen, the neighborhood spot “will feature seasonal, Mediterranean-influenced California cuisine, great wine, and craft beers in a warm, inviting atmosphere.” Karen Hoffmann  and Jason Poindexter, formerly with Four Seasons Hotels, are signed on as chefs and co-owners. The opening date is currently set for early fall, so stay tuned as details become available. 1000 Guerrero St. at 22nd St.

Redos: New Operators for the Luna Space In the Castro and Rice Broker/Spork

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The new red exterior of Sugoi Sushi. Photo via Mission Local by Liz Melchor.

Good news for the Castro: chef Jon Hearnsberger of Woodhouse Fish Co. (for the past three-plus years) and Anchor Oyster Bar is now opening his own place in the former Luna space. The still-unamed restaurant will seat 30-plus inside and eventually 25-plus outside on that awesome covered garden patio. The food will be New American with a local/seasonal focus, served in a comfortable and relaxed space. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge; the opening is projected for November. Hearnsberger says, “I wish Dylan and the Woodhouse family continued success in their future endeavors. I am appreciative of the opportunity they provided me at WFC.” 558 Castro St. at 18th St.

Mission Local mentions a sushi restaurant is moving into the former Spork and Rice Broker space called SUGOI SUSHI. On the menu: sushi, small plates, and grilled items off the robata. A reader writes in with this news: one of the partners (and the sushi chef) is Roy Lui, formerly of Tsukiji in Mill Valley. The soft opening is slated for this week; lunch and dinner will be served daily. As for those impending condos, time will tell. The article mentions, “the earliest that groundbreaking could happen on the project is the spring of 2013.” 1058 Valencia St. at 21st St.

Corner Store Sneak Peek

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The bar area. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

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The open kitchen, with a view of the dining room. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

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The future home of the outdoor patio, with heat lamps and planter boxes. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

A report by Dana Massey-Todd: Up on Geary and Masonic, the former Hukilau space has been taken over by a new project, called CORNER STORE, from partners Ezra Berman and Miles Palliser, formerly of 330 Ritch. The new spot will be a “loving homage to the classic corner store,” says Palliser. There will be comfortable spaces, unpretentious food, a full bar, and a soda fountain. The space has room for 36 diners, plus an extra 13 seats at the bar. On sunny days, the front patio can hold an additional 40 diners. The neighborhood spot is housed in a sunny yellow building and is set to open in the next couple of weeks. The space is cozy and warm, with a compact open kitchen in the middle of the action. There are high windows, communal tables, and some counter seating. The barstool seats are salvaged from a tree that was struck by lightning at an investor’s home in Kenwood. Talk about a hot seat!

In keeping with the corner store idea, there will be some retail offerings to take home, which should expand to include some of their own jarred products. For the time being, look for unusual sodas, coffee beans, and other smaller dry goods. The location has an off-premise liquor license, so they’ll be selling some of their wine and beer to take home.

For now, they will be open for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends. Breakfast should be coming soon too. The menu will be from chef Nick Adams, formerly of Salt House, with a focus on expertly executed American classics. Adams promises “one of the best burgers in town” and a small menu that will change seasonally, plus daily and weekly specials to keep it lively.

Desserts will be limited for now, though the full soda fountain should satisfy most sweet-toothed visitors. The soda fountain will feature housemade syrups and tonics for blending custom sodas, and will also provide the backbone for the cocktail program, which is being developed by Hans Hinrichs of Twenty-Five Lusk. There will also be old-fashioned milk shakes and cream sodas, some with a boozy bent. In the cocktail department, look for creative cocktails with a retro bent, like the “Noble Buck,” a drink of locally-aged Cyrus Noble Bourbon with lime, pineapple-ancho chile syrup, and housemade ginger beer. The wine and beer offerings will mostly be from Northern California, and many of the wines will be on tap and available by the glass, carafe, and half carafe.

No word yet on a concrete opening date, but preview receptions are beginning next week, so it’s definitely close. They haven’t worked out their exact closing time yet, but they have the option of keeping the bar open until 2am, depending on demand. Until those details are worked out, hours will be lunch Tue-Fri from 11am-2:30pm and dinner from 5:30pm-late. Sat-Sun brunch from 9am-2:30pm, then dinner from 5:30pm-late. Between lunch and dinner, the bar will remain open with snacks for afternoon munchers.

Soul Groove Opens a Brick-and-Mortar Location in the Tenderloin

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Soul Groove’s fried chicken and waffle sandwich. Photo courtesy of Soul Groove.

Soft opening this week is SOUL GROOVE, a brick-and-mortar location for chef Jason Fordley’s pop-up. Yeah, the guy who does the fried chicken and waffle sandwich. Maybe you have experienced it at Duc Loi? Anyway, the new location is in the Tenderloin in the former Krave, and will be open for lunch to start, eventually serving breakfast, special dinners, and hosting other events (he will also continue to do catering). The menu is going to expand to what Fordley is calling international soul food, like chile verde in a masa waffle, or a Vietnamese spin with a “bowl” made from a rice flour waffle, with Vietnamese meatballs, cilantro, and daikon. Nope, no shortage of creativity here. His late-night pop-up appearances will be narrowing, so follow him on Twitter for updates on that front. 422 Larkin St. at Golden Gate.

Coffee News: Contraband to Firehouse 8, Front Café Opens, and Blue Bottle at Heath

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Espresso heaven. Photo from Contraband via Facebook.

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The lab-like setup at Front Café. Photo from Yelp via Deny K.

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Blue Bottle’s kiosk at Heath. Photo from Facebook.

A few pieces of caffeinated news for you around town: it looks like the café that is moving into the FIREHOUSE 8 project (read details in a past tablehopper issue here) will be a second location of Contraband Coffee! They will begin serving coffee, muffins, and empanadas. This weekend is a soft opening (Sat-Sun 11am-6pm) and then they will close for a week and then be back the following weekend to begin permanent hours. This weekend there will also be some food trucks (IZ IT is confirmed for Sunday). 1648 Pacific Ave. at Polk.

A beer and wine license posted many moons ago for a place called FRONT CAFÉ in Potrero Hill, and now it appears to be open (thanks to Jason B. for the tip!). Yelp reveals a few details: it’s a speciality café in a converted garage, serving both espresso and drip coffee with a Chemex using house-roasted beans. But the real catch sounds like the cold-brewed coffee served with hand-sawed ice. Is this where coffee and cocktails are intersecting? A post also mentions: “For now it’s just coffee, but there are plans to put in a kitchen, and talk of a beer and wine license and some tables and chairs either out front or in the alley (city permitting).” Here’s your next distraction while waiting for a table at Plow. 150 Mississippi St. at Mariposa.

Now open in the new Heath Ceramics Factory and Showroom store in the Mission is the latest BLUE BOTTLE kiosk. Yup, cappuccinos in Heath cups, nice. Plus drip coffee, and granola from the Blue Bottle Kitchen in Oakland. They’re also using milk from Saint Benoît—check it out! Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm and Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. 2900 18th St. at Alabama.

Tidbits: Rhea's Deli Part Two, Tu Lan's Future Is Grim, International Food Court Returns

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The Korean steak sandwich at Rhea’s Deli. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Fans of RHEA’S DELI monster truck sandwiches will be happy to know they plan to open a second location, Rhea’s Cafe, in the former Deli-Up Cafe space at 20th and Bryant. Mission Mission also mentions there will be seating available—and the potential return of the delicious katsu sandwich. 2200 Bryant St. at 20th St.

Things are looking grim for TU LAN: the Scoop reports the Department of Public Health revoked the restaurant’s permit due to Tu Lan’s “extensive history of health violations.” The only way owner Anthony Nguyen can reopen is if he makes a final appeal to the city Board of Appeals. (Maybe he needs to bring some bún cha gió to the appeal.) 8 6th St. at Market.

In the phoenix rising from the ashes department, Chowhound reports the INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT/CENTER is back open after being closed for years due to an electrical fire. Downtown workers can get their pho and sushi and lumpia groove back on for lunch. Corner of Bush and Kearny.

Over at 18th Hour Cafe, the Thursday night party (every week 6pm-10pm) at 18 REASONS, things continue to get more dialed: John Lee, an 18 Reasons instructor and cook, has taken over the menu planning and management of the cafe night. The menu changes weekly but always includes a rotating charcuterie plate, cheese platter, and an assortment of Tartine bread with Vella butter. In previous weeks, they’ve had a variety of salads, crostini/bruschette, and sometimes baked goods like empanadas (take a look at last week’s menu here). In August, the menu is focused on Iberian cheeses and wines, while September will feature cheeses from the Pacific Northwest.

A tablehopper tipster let me know FULL MOON THAI BISTRO is now open in the Inner Sunset, complete with a modern look and groovy LED light system, plus an outdoor patio that’s coming soon. 1220 9th Ave. at Irving, 415-242-1780.

As previously reported, North Bay cupcake sensation SIFT is taking over the former Dumplings and Buns space at 2411 Fillmore at California. Official opening is Wednesday August 22nd, so get ready for combinations like “Pink Champagne,” a raspberry cupcake with Champagne frosting.

Chef News and Hires: Jake's and Perbacco

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Jake’s dining room photo via Eater by Molly DeCoudreaux.

There’s some shuffling in the Castro this week: JAKE’S ON MARKET has brought on Joshua Feliciano, formerly of Nombe, AQ, and Delfina, as chef. He is replacing Erik Hopfinger, who left to become the private vacation chef to the British Royal Family. Well then. The menu will stay focused on seasonally driven American classics, and Feliciano will be running specials to keep things interesting. They are also now offering lunch instead of late-night dining. Here are the new hours: lunch from Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, dinner every day 5pm-10pm, and brunch Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

Downtown, PERBACCO has a new pastry chef. Laura Cronin of Zero Zero and Thorough Bread and Pastry has taken over, and as of August 15th the dessert menu should be all new. Her menu items will be focused on seasonality, with particular attention paid to herbs and spices. Offerings include a pesche ripiene, or stuffed peaches filled with amaretti, toasted Marcona almonds, honey caramel, and verbena gelato.

Perbacco            - 230 California St. San Francisco - 415-955-0663

All Sorts of Pop-Ups at SF Foodlab in August

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SF FoodLab sets the stage for lots of popping up. Photo from Facebook.

SF Foodlab and A Temporary Offering have paired up to bring a bunch of cool pop-ups to their space on the ground floor of the Renoir Hotel. There’s something every day and something for everyone, so don’t forget to periodically check it out if you’re looking for something new.

Seven days a week Caffe Moda will be serving breakfast 6am-10am. Menu items include egg dishes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. There will also be coffee, smoothies, and tea.

Weekdays Onigilly will be serving lunch from 10am-2pm. Items will include Japanese rice balls, tofu noodle salad, and miso tuna salad. Later in August, they plan to open a permanent location, so this should be a cool sneak peek.

Weekdays Jablow’s Meats will be serving lunch from 10am-2pm. There will be Argentine-style beef sandwiches, their excellent pastrami, and roast pork carnitas.

Every Friday in August, Bueno Eats will be serving dinner from 5pm-10pm. Each week, a different chef will take on Latin cuisine. On August 17th, Oscar Martin will be offering Peruvian Cuisine. Then, on August 24th, Alison Batten’s Puerto Rican menu will be the star. Last but not least, August 31st will feature Mexican cuisine from Mikey Agundez.

Every Saturday in August, Crepe-Madame will be serving brunch from 10am-2pm. There will be savory buckwheat crêpes, with various fillings like shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese. There will also be sweet crêpes with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Every Saturday night in August, Zenbelly will be serving dinner, with seatings at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. All the food is gluten-free and predominantly Paleo, so your inner caveman will love it! Tickets should be purchased in advance and cost $32 for three courses.

Then, on Sunday August 26th, the amazing ladies of Three Babes Bakeshop will be teaching a class about pie and dessert. It will be all about pie, including in-depth lattice lessons, and tickets are $75. 1106 Market St. at 7th St.

Nice Deals on Oysters and Bubbles and Fries

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A melee of oysters at Boxing Room. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Here is a trio of deals on nice things like oysters and bubbly. First, you can swing by BRASSERIE S&P in the Financial District during the month of August and try a variety of offers, from a half-dozen oysters and half-bottle of Gosset Brut Excellence Champagne for $45 (whether that’s for one or two people is up to you, hic). Or you can order a dozen oysters and a bottle of Argyle Brut 2008, Oregon for $50, or pony up for a bottle of PJ (Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne 2004) for $198.

Over in Hayes Valley, BOXING ROOM will be offering $1 oysters Monday-Friday from 11:30am-4:30pm, starting August 20th. You can add a glass of Avinyó Cava for only $5, though if you’re more into beer, Abita Amber, Jockamo IPA, and Turbodog will also be $5. They are also kicking off a plate lunch special, Monday-Friday, from 11:30am-3pm. The plate will include a main course that changes daily, plus a salad, drink, and dessert for $15.

At GRAND CAFÉ from now until the end of September, you can order the “Bubbles and Fries” deal at the bar. It includes a cone of truffle fries and two glasses of sparkling wine for $10. To share or not to share, that is the question. The special is only available at the bar, but you can get it anytime they are open.

Grand Café            - 501 Geary St. San Francisco - 415-292-0101

Get Cookin' at Some Fabulous Upcoming Classes

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One of Alicia’s tamales, in the stuffing stage. Photo by Lauren Atkins.

Are you mystified by the magic of tamales? Yeah, me too. Fortunately, there is hope. LA COCINA and Evernote Food are pairing up to host a Tamale Cooking Class on Saturday August 25th, taught by Alicia Villanueva of Alicia’s Tamales Los Mayas and Maria del Carmen of Estrellita’s Snacks. These wonderful ladies will be guiding attendees through the entire process, from making masa from scratch to proper wrapping technique. The class will be topped off with a family-style meal, including the tamales made during the class and some additional Mexican and Salvadorean dishes made by the teachers themselves. The class will be held at La Cocina from 6pm-9pm, and tickets are $45, including dinner. 2948 Folsom St. at 25th St.

Starting in September, 18 REASONS is holding a cool series of classes by Michelle McKenzie, called Unsung: Autumn Vegetables. Classes will be held weekly, starting Monday September 10th from 6:30pm-9pm. Each week features two vegetables (and a fruit!) that don’t get enough love. Find out how to cook these vegetables so they are delcious, not overlooked. Here’s the schedule: September 10th, kohlrabi and fresh figs (in unusual savory preparations); September 17th, cauliflower stems and chicories; and September 24th, celeriac and sunchokes.

Tickets for the whole series are $180 for the general public, and $150 for 18 Reasons members. Classes can also be taken individually for $65. 3674 18th St. at Dolores.

18 Reasons            - 3674 18th St. San Francisco

Third Annual New England Clambake at Presidio Social Club

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The patio at Presidio Social Club. Photo from Facebook.

Didn’t make it to the Cape this year? Or maybe hard times have forced you to sell your cabin in Maine? Not to worry, you can still get your New England-style summer on at PRESIDIO SOCIAL CLUB. On Sunday August 19th, they’ll be throwing their third annual good old-fashioned clambake, with corn on the cob and lobster rolls, as well as beer and Cape Codder cocktails (think cranberry). Then, every Monday evening, they’ll be featuring their Clambake Supper menu, which will include Yankee classics like Boston and Bibb lettuce salad, steamed clams, and mussels with half of a lobster, corn, and potatoes. Boston cream pie finishes it off. (What, where are the Boston Baked Beans? I kid.) The prix-fixe menu is $38, from 5pm until closing, every Monday until October. Reservations can be made through the restaurant’s website.

Presidio Social Club            - 563 Ruger St. Building 563 San Francisco - 415-885-1888

SOBO Ramen and Doughnut Dolly Open in Oakland

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The Dolly’s doughnuts, paper-wrapped and ready. Photo courtesy Doughnut Dolly website.

(Softly) opening Wednesday in Oakland’s Chinatown is SOBO RAMEN from Gabriel Cole and Stella Loi. (Yes, ramen is the new pizza.) Their 24-hour broth uses organic pork bones from Llano Seco Rancho and organic chicken bones from Mary’s Free Range chicken, served with organic noodles custom-made by Yamachan Ramen in San Jose (there’s also a vegetarian broth made with mushrooms). Toppings include chashu, pulled chicken, poached egg, and more. There are also some side dishes like karaage, sweet potato, or beef skewers. You can check out the menu here. Hours are lunch daily 11am-3pm and dinner Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm. 388 9th St. #186 at Franklin, Oakland, 510-832-7626.

Grubstreet reports that DOUGHNUT DOLLY will open Wednesday (that’s tomorrow!) in Oakland. Hannah Hoffman, the chef-owner, is making delicious yeast-raised doughnuts that are filled to order. She’ll open at 8am, and close at 3pm or when the doughnuts sell out. 482B 49th St. at Telegraph, Oakland.

Seems COCINA POBLANA has changed its name to LOS MOLES (hey, it’s what they’re known for), and it appears chef Lito Saldaña is still running the show. 1320 65th St. at Hollis, Emeryville.

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the sponsor

This Round Is On Me... (hey, thanks!)

(Sponsored): A Whiskey Lover's Dream, WhiskyFest San Francisco!

This year’s WhiskyFest San Francisco, on Friday October 5th, will offer a selection of more than 275 whiskeys from around the world: single-malt and blended Scotch, Irish, Canadian, Tennessee, Japanese, Swedish, Indian, and more! Some whiskeys are new to the United States and some are brand-new whiskeys. Enjoy Cognac, gin, beer, vodka, and rum too!

The evening includes seminars (at no additional charge), a never-ending buffet, and a commemorative Glencairn crystal nosing glass.

Love whiskey? WhiskyFest is the place to be on Friday October 5th. Visit whiskyfest.com to see for yourself the great selection of whiskeys that will be offered, as well as the seminars and speakers. And most importantly, buy your ticket today, before they sell out!


the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Cocktails Ahoy!

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On Wednesday August 29th, CUESA’s Seasonal Cocktails of the Farmers’ Market series carries on with Yacht Rock: Summer Cocktails. CUESA and the Northern California chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild have rounded up bartenders from all over the Bay Area. They will be pouring taste-size samples of their finest drinks, all utilizing summer produce. Bartenders include Keli Rivers of Hotsy Totsy, Kimberly Roselle from Flora, Claire Sprouse of Rickhouse, and Josh Trabulsi of Burritt Room. You can see the full list of participants here.

There will also be snacks from 15 Romolo, Grand Café, Burritt Room, and Asian Box. In fitting with the nautical theme, look for rum- and gin-focused drinks. And the best part? There’s a costume contest, sponsored by Epicuring. The theme is nautical, and the prize is unspecified, but rest assured the winner will go home with serious shore cred. The event goes from 5:30pm-8pm, and tickets are $40.

Movies and Booze. Oh Yeah!

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The Wilson Bar. Photo via Facebook.

Starting on Sunday August 26th, you can swing by the THE WILSON bar for a monthly movie night featuring classic and cult films. There will be a small menu of cocktails and beers you can enjoy while watching the flick. It all goes down on the last Sunday of every month. Check out the Bourbon and Branch Facebook page for further information on how to RSVP (space will be limited). 501 Jones St. at O’Farrell, 415-931-7292.

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Get tablehopper's New App: Top Late-Night Eats in SF!

Have you heard the news? Fresh on the virtual shelves of the iTunes store is tablehopper’s first app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats in SF. It’s also San Francisco’s first late-night dining app! In a city that likes to shut down at 10pm, this definitive app is essential for anyone who likes to eat and drink after-hours.

The tablehopper recommends more than 95 San Francisco restaurants, cafés, taquerias, pizzerias, sandwich shops, and more that serve food past 11pm. Each listing has a short blurb about the vibe and the must-order dishes—and it’s written in the trademark tablehopper sassy style (oh you know it!). The app is GPS-enabled and lists the business hours and other info, like the website and cuisine.

And, hey, we’re not talking about chain restaurants or nasty diners—these are all 100 percent unique and pretty dang delicious. (Well, let’s be honest, there are also a bunch of totally grubby places that you’d only go to after midnight.)

Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats in SF is debuting in the iPhone App Store for $2.99 (Android version coming soon). Yup, the same price as a slice of pizza.

Check out the recent press in Daily Candy, Tasting Table, Grub Street, SFist, Turnstyle, and SFoodie!

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the socialite

Shindigs, Feasts, & Festivals (let's party)

A Fishy Pair of Events to Save Salmon

salmon_river_upstream.jpg

Salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Photo from the SalmonAID website.

Event Info

Thursday Aug 23, 2012 – Friday Sep 21, 2012

On Thursday August 23rd, the SalmonAID Foundation will be throwing its Second Annual Dine Out for Wild Salmon event. This foundation focuses on educating the public and encouraging consumption of sustainable wild salmon, instead of farmed varieties. After four years of severely limiting salmon fishing season, the local fishery population has risen considerably, and it is time to celebrate by, well, eating salmon. Participating restaurants include Nettie’s Crab Shack and Starbelly; the full list can be found here. Salmon purchases during the event will go to support the SalmonAID Foundation. Locations and times vary by restaurant; contact individual restaurants for reservations and details.

Then on Friday September 21st, the Golden Gate Salmon Association will be throwing its Second Annual Membership dinner at the Portuguese Club in Sausalito. The group is committed to protecting and restoring the bay’s salmon populations, by working with commercial and recreational fishermen, businesses, restaurants, tribes, environmentalists, elected officials, families, and communities that rely on salmon. The event should go swimmingly, with cocktails, hors d’oevres, dinner, a silent and live auction, and various speakers. Tickets are $75, and must be purchased in advance. VIP packages for groups are also available.


the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Posh Drinks and Lots of Dining with Woody (and Cate Blanchett)

Man, that Woody Allen is a man on the town. Seriously. A tweet placed him at Quince having drinks, while this post via The Bold Italic mentions he was at Cotogna with his family (where he reportedly dozed off a little—hey, long days and long dinners can do that to ya).

On Friday night, he dined with Cate Blanchett at Jardinière.

And a reader wrote in to tell me they were filming at The Ramp yesterday (the restaurant sent out a notice that it was going to be closed for the day), which explains why Woody was spotted in Dogpatch, having lunch at Serpentine.

Louis Louis

According to this tweet from Christine Doerr of Neo Cocoa, she spotted comedian Louis C.K. while making a delivery at the Ferry Building.

Stella (That's Italian for "Star") Power at Donato Enoteca

A tablehopper reader writes in with this double-date power table at Donato Enoteca in Redwood City last Wednesday night: Steven Spielberg with wife Kate Capshaw and Michelle Pfeiffer with her husband David E. Kelley.

Bands and Babes Dig Jasper's Corner Tap

I was wondering where all the bands in town for Outside Lands were hanging out. Ends up the Icelandic band Sigur Rós was at Jasper’s for lunch on Friday (grilled cheese with avocado), and then back for drinks Friday night with band members sipping on Stellas and gin and tonics. They loved everything so much that they came back Saturday for lunch before going out to Golden Gate Park for their performance at the end of the night!

Also in town for Outside Lands was Vanessa Hudgens (from High School Musical) who came in on Saturday night. She was relatively low key, but wrote a cute little “thanks” on her receipt.

And Then at Perbacco, We Have Rockers and Writers

Just last night, Stefan Gordy (Redfoo) of LMFAO came in to Perbacco for dinner. Apparently, he was not eating pasta, bread, or meat—but had several beers. Selective carbs, people!

Oh, hello, dahlink! Also at Perbacco was Danielle Steel, who was enjoying a quiet dinner with her family.

Oh. My. Gawd.

Dina Manzo (a “Real” Housewife of Jersey) paid a visit to Twenty-Five Lusk last week with a gentleman friend. She sipped a pisco smash and snacked on ahi as a main course (sounds like the warm Bavarian pretzels wouldn’t be her thing).

John, Can You Pass Me a Margarita?

A reader spotted former quarterback John Elway at Velvet Cantina in the Mission last Tuesday night. Or was my spotter drinking too many of their mango margaritas?

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