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Jan 28, 2013 25 min read

January 29, 2013 - This week's tablehopper: let's party.

January 29, 2013 - This week's tablehopper: let's party.
Table of Contents

This week's tablehopper: let's party.                    

At Naked Kitchen: masa pasta with artichoke barigoule, pecorino, and hazelnuts. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Oh, hi. Excuse me while I get out from under this pile of press releases about what to eat for Super Bowl Sunday. Speaking of, I am going to be doing a post for 7x7.com about that very thing tomorrow. Check my Facebook page or Twitter feed for a link to the article in case you are looking for ideas on the myriad ways you can stuff your face while watching the game on Sunday.

Saturday night I had the opportunity to check out a dinner at Naked Kitchen with chef Ian Mullen and his co-chef Jason Smith. Their winter tasting menu had some elevated and inventive executions (like masa pasta—made with 000 flour—that smelled like the cheesiest popcorn ever) and exciting flavors (a stellar dessert of dark chocolate cremeux, with persimmon, green curry, peanuts, and a ginger-lemongrass-coconut milk sauce). I have dined at Naked Kitchen before in the dining room for a Liholiho Yacht Club dinner, but this was the first time in the kitchen, which was a fun experience. It’s always BYOB, so you can drink exactly what you love (hello, Champagne). Sign up on the mailing list to keep up on future Naked Kitchen events (we have another one listed in the chatterbox today).

Thanks to 7x7.com for including me in this fun new series, “We Wanna Be Friends With:….” I get to share where I’d have my last meal in SF, what’s my idea of a good night on the town (don’t worry, I kept it PG), and more.

Oh, and before I sign off, I had to share this stunning video about India by Perennial Plate—just wow.

See you on Friday, with a review, some 707 news, and info and pics of Saison (due to open Friday).

Marcia Gagliardi


the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

A Preview Peek at Belinda Leong's b. Patisserie

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Belinda Leong and her babies at b. Patisserie. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

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A closer look at the gorgeous pastries at b. Patisserie. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

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Pass through the yellow door to arrive at your happy place. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Sunday evening, I had a chance to take a preliminary peek at the new B. PATISSERIE, a fabulous new addition to our city’s exploding bakery/pastry scene. The project is from Belinda Leong (Gary Danko, Manresa, and numerous places in Europe), who, after holding a series of successful pop-ups, partnered up with Michel Suas, the founder of the San Francisco Baking Institute and Thorough Bread Bakery.

The previous location of Crepe & Coffee on California Street is now such a looker—pass through the sunny yellow door and you’ll be greeted by a curving and totally custom-made pastry counter constructed by AMC Innovation in Paris. It’s capable of running different temperatures along the same level (all of marble), and it’s the only pastry case of its kind in the United States. The open kitchen has gleaming, custom, floor-to-ceiling refrigerator and freezer units, and in the back of the room, there is a dedicated space to make open-face tartines, like a version of flammekueche (with fromage blanc, caramelized and pickled onions, bacon, and Gruyère), and another with broccoli rabe, smoked mozzarella, and tomato sauce. The tartines are all made on a levain that Suas specially created for b. Patisserie.

So back to that case. The pastries are modern French in style, ranging from a lemon tart to an elegant vanilla cake with cassis to the oh-so-pretty grande macaron cake with rose pastry cream, plus an extraordinary chocolate caramel toffee mousse. Even a simpler dish of Greek yogurt panna cotta and citrus pops perfectly. There is also a selection of viennoiserie, from Leong’s famed kouign-amann, to croissants, coffee cake, scones, and kugeloph. The takeaway items—like macarons and some truly addictive cheese sticks—will also be available.

There are eight marble-topped tables with yellow chairs and an eggplant-brown banquette, plus a front corner area with a loungier feeling—25 seats in all. There is some artwork, like a macaron tree in the back that will change with the seasons. The coffee is from Four Barrel.

They are just waiting for a health inspection and plan to open the week of February 4th. Hours will be Tue-Sat 7am-7pm and Sun 8am-6pm; closed Mon.

b. Patisserie            - 2821 California St. San Francisco - 415-440-1700

Charles Chocolates Coming Soon. Very Soon.

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The patio at Charles Chocolates. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

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The amazing brownie. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

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The view of the roll-up doors from the kitchen. When open, patiogoers will be able to watch the magic happen. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

A report from Dana Massey-Todd. As previously reported on tablehopper, the wonderful candymaker Chuck Siegel is back in action, this time in the Mission. His new location for CHARLES CHOCOLATES is on Florida Street in the former Potrero Brewing Co. space, just down the way from the new Heath Ceramics location. I had a chance to tour the space, and it’s going to be quite the chocolate temple. It will serve as his kitchen and factory for producing treats, like his triple chocolate almonds, pavé squares, and truffles. Plus, there will also be a retail area with heated patio seating where you can sit and enjoy tea and hot chocolate, in addition to pastries like brownies and cookies.

Siegel is excited about this space because its large size opens up a lot of possibilities. The emphasis here is on the exhibition kitchen. When you walk in, you will be greeted by glass walls that showcase the chocolate magic happening within, and then you can order your treats at the retail counter. Siegel scored some wrought-iron and glass shelving from the Betsey Johnson boutique on Fillmore Street, which will provide additional display storage. On the patio you’ll find picnic benches under heaters for enjoying beverages and pastries, plus roll-up doors that, when open, will show more kitchen space behind large glass windows.

On the menu are his s’mores, which are made entirely in-house and broiled to order for perfect marshmallow caramelization, plus cookies, brownies, and frozen push pops. All of the chocolates are made from the best raw ingredients Siegel can find and are produced from scratch, whether that means candying their own citrus peel or roasting their own nuts or brandying their own cherries.

Right now, there is still some work to do before the space is ready. There is some painting to complete, and an epoxy floor that needs to fully cure before all the equipment can be moved into the kitchen. Once that’s done, it’s just a matter of getting through inspections and then they can open. Siegel is hoping to be ready to go in a few weeks. To start, they’ll be open every day, 11am-7pm, with special events coming in the future. The space will also be available for private events. 535 Florida St. at Mariposa.

Coming Soon: The But 'n Ben

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Tattie scones (made by McQuade’s sister Marie—photo via her blog).

I was happy to learn Alison McQuade of McQuade’s Celtic Chutneys is on the hunt to open up a Scottish café called THE BUT ‘N BEN (it’s Scottish for “a little cottage”). It will be open for breakfast and lunch, serving everything from potato scones with a variety of fillings (like bacon, cheese, and more) to tablet (which is like fudge, but in a variety of flavors), plus soups (like smoked haddock chowder), kippers, and yes, there will be haggis. I know, such a unique offering! I am so into this.

She is currently scouting for a location in Lower Nob Hill, where she lives, but is planning on some pop-ups in the coming months. If anyone knows of a café space that’s available, she’d love any leads—you can reach her here.

Tidbits: Sparrow Bar and Kitchen, Changeovers, and More

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XLB at Xiao Long Bao. Yelp photo by ALan L.

Some news bits around town for you. First, some details are coming out about what’s moving into the former Bia’s in the Upper Haight: according to Uppercasing, it’s going to be SPARROW BAR AND KITCHEN. There are a lot of details on the website, starting with the news that Ola Fendert (Oola) is consulting on the modern American menu. There are sample menus for brunch (buckwheat waffles, a variety of egg dishes), lunch (sandwiches like buttermilk fried chicken, a bean burger), and dinner (oysters, roasted quail stuffed with Swiss chard and pine nuts, ricotta-spinach ravioli, and a burger). Craft beers, local ingredients, and music are also mentioned. Sounds like the couple (simply referred to on the site as Marc and Veronica) are going for a March opening. 1640 Haight St. at Clayton.

Over the weekend, tablehopper tipster Jason B. sent me a pic showing that late-night Korean spot Nan California Korean Kitchen has closed, and the new signage announces HASHIBORO KOU opening in March. 1560 Fillmore St. at Geary.

Chowhound mentions a new dumpling place on Clement with the hopeful name of XIAO LONG BAO, but initial Yelp reviews are not too fired up on the quality (all will be revealed in time!). 625 Clement St. at 7th Ave., 415-666-3998.

Alas, as previously mentioned, THAI PLACE II has changed into SA-BEANG THAI, and Haighteration announces there’s a new and expanded menu under the new ownership. (Here’s hoping they still make a delicious Thai chicken dish and beef ball soup. Change is hard!) Open Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm and until 11pm Fri-Sat. 312 Divisadero St. at Page.

Grub Street mentions a new fast-casual spot focused on using quality, seasonal ingredients coming to Spear Street: ALMANAC, due to open April 1st. Bring on the farro salads! Stand by for more. 180 Spear St. at Howard.

Special Menus (One Market, Tout Sweet), a Bake Sale (20th Century Cafe), and Dinner (Naked Kitchen)

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One Market’s Tasmanian ocean trout “mi cuit.” Photo: © tablehopper.com.

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Michelle Polzine at Cafe Hawelka in Vienna. Photo courtesy of Ms. Polzine.

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Dining at the kitchen counter at Naked Kitchen (photo by Guru Khalsa).

Catch some celebratory meals this month from these spots around town. First up is ONE MARKET, which will be serving special menus to celebrate the restaurant’s 20th anniversary. At lunch you can get a three-course menu for $25, and at dinner it’s four courses for $39. All of the menu items are highlights from a different year of the restaurant’s operation, like duck prepared à la 2004 at dinner or a dish of chef Mark Dommen’s that I forever obsess about: the lightly smoked Tasmanian ocean trout “mi cuit” with potato rösti, pastured egg, and pancetta vinaigrette (2006). To drink, you can get the 20/20, a Manhattan made with Hirsch Selection Special Reserve 20-year-old American whiskey for $20. They’ll have special wines from the 1993 vintage too. The special menus are available Feb 1st-28th, at lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm and dinner Mon-Sat 5:30pm-9pm.

You’re probably (rightfully) very excited about Michelle Polzine’s new project, 20TH CENTURY CAFE. If you just can’t wait until the spring opening, you’re in luck because Polzine will be selling some of her pastries (think knish, rugelach, tortes, and tarts) bake sale-style on Sundays at STATE BIRD PROVISIONS, along with coffee and jars of jam to take home. You can catch the treats Feb. 3rd, Feb. 10th, Feb. 24th, and March 3rd from 11am-2pm.

TOUT SWEET PÂTISSERIE is now offering a three-course dessert tasting menu, on the second Thursday of every month. The tastings, called Tastings@Tout Sweet, feature three courses of seasonal desserts from Yigit Pura, each paired with local wine and beer. The next tastings are February 14th, March 14th, and April 11th, from 7pm-8:30pm and cost $55 per person, including a gift to take home. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the pâtisserie. Macy’s Union Square, 170 O’Farrell St., 3rd floor, 415-385-1679.

On Sunday February 10th, check out a special five-course tasting menu from chef Keven Wilson (Perbacco, RN74) and his ReFormation Foods at NAKED KITCHEN. Tickets to the dinner do not include gratuity and cost $75 per person for communal table seating and BYO, or $125 per person for seating at the chef’s table, which includes wine pairings from Claudio Villani (Perbacco). I was just at a Naked Kitchen event last weekend, and dining in the kitchen is a lot of fun. Take a look at the menu and get your tickets here. 945 Valencia St. at 20th St.

One Market            - 1 Market Plaza San Francisco - 415-777-5577

Lunch Break: Where to Find Peko-Peko Bento in SF

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A selection of Peko-Peko bento boxes. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Have you been wanting to try one of Sylvan Mishima Brackett of Peko-Peko’s bento boxes, the ones that he’s been delivering to Umami Mart in Oakland? I was cruising through Hayes Valley last week and discovered the fabulous Louesa flower shop (which is also full of artsy objets) receives a delivery of the bento boxes around 11:45am (they last until 3pm or so), on Thursdays only.

There’s one I tried with Riverdog Farm chicken karaage, with a soy egg, greens rice, and chicken snowy cabbage, or the deluxe crab rice, with fried herring, an ethereal dashi omelet, and chrysanthemum scarlet turnip. There can be a variety of five or so to choose from (click the names to check them out here); they’re made with organic and well-sourced ingredients, gorgeous, and smartly wrapped in oh-so-cool custom labels. You feel good and clean after eating it. That’s my idea of a box lunch! I’m so going back for the pork katsu and vegetable curry. $13-$19. Laguna between Hayes and Linden.

New Options for You to Pig Out on Fried Chicken

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Das Bucket at Maverick; photo courtesy of the restaurant.

I know, just what you need: more fried chicken in your life. On Mondays, MAVERICK is offering a bucket to go (big enough for two)! It comes with half of a Mary’s Organic Chicken, two sides (roasted escarole and pickled green beans), gravy, and a biscuit (yeah, you’re gonna have to fight over the biscuit). $25, swing by from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Mondays to pick one up. Orders can be made by phone starting at 4:30pm; call 415-863-3061. Limited to 20 orders.

Are you a fan of FIREFLY’s famous Tuesday chicken, the “fried chicken of your dreams”? Well, according to this tweet, now you can get it every night. (Pace yourself.)

Maverick            - 3316 17th St. San Francisco - 415-863-3061

A Tribute to Matt Skov: One Hell of a Guy

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The ever-beaming Matt Skov (photo courtesy of La Cocina).

I was so crushed to learn via a tablehopper reader last week that Matt Skov of La Cocina passed away on January 21st after fighting a rare form of cancer. He was just 42. I used to work with Matt’s wife, Christa, back in my advertising days, and fondly remember the day when she invited me to join her for a special farewell lunch at Campton Place—where he worked—before their move to Colorado. Over the years, I happily followed their return to San Francisco, where his path landed him as the owner of Ella’s and Blue Fog Market, and then as the kitchen and facilities manager at La Cocina.

He was a good man, earning the name “Papa Matt” while at La Cocina, if that tells you something about the kind of person he was. (You can read their tribute to him here.) He was a mentor for many. My heart breaks for his wife and children, Abby and Izzy, his family and friends, and everyone he worked with and touched; this is such a sad, horrible loss and tragedy.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday February 2nd at 3pm at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley—you can read more here and on the Team Skov page on Facebook.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Matt’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development, 10 Brookline Place 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445 in support of the NUT Midline Carcinoma Research Fund; or to La Cocina, 2948 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA 94110, in support of the Matt Skov Memorial Award, to be given annually to one deserving woman in pursuit of her culinary dreams.

A Reminder About the Wonderful Service Provided by Food Runners

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Volunteers for Food Runners pick up a donation. Photo courtesy Food Runners.

San Francisco is a pretty dreamy place to live, the kind of place where many residents have a preferred vendor of locally roasted coffee, and the difference between white and black truffles is widely known. But not everyone in San Francisco is in a situation to enjoy these luxuries. FOOD RUNNERS, an organization started by Tante Marie’s Mary Risley 25 years ago, takes excess prepared and perishable foods from restaurants and delivers it to area shelters. Many local restaurants participate, as do farmers’ markets, grocery stores, food photographers, and event planners. In fact, Le Colonial, Kokkari, Rose Pistola, 25 Lusk, Delfina, and Piperade all cook “planned overages” of freshly cooked food each week for a number of local agencies, like Larkin Street Youth Services. Yup, that’s generous.

If your business has prepared or perishable items you would otherwise throw away, give Food Runners a call and they will pick up your items for free. For guidelines on how to donate, go here. 415-929-1866.

Carrotmob and Old Skool Cafe Team Up

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Some of the staff at Old Skool Cafe. Photo courtesy Old Skool Cafe.

The awesome Bayview restaurant OLD SKOOL CAFE, which is run by at-risk youth, is now working with Carrotmob (no relation to Carrot Top—uh, scary) to provide its staff with a college scholarship fund. All you have to do is visit Carrotmob’s Old Skool campaign website and buy a $25 voucher (buy as many as you want!). You can use the voucher anytime at Old Skool Cafe, and 15 percent will be put aside into a college scholarship fund for the staff.

If you haven’t checked out Old Skool yet, you can take a look at the menu here. Maybe it’s time to head over for brunch, and help some kids out in the process. 1429 Mendell St. (3rd St. and Oakdale/Palou), 415-822-8531.

North Bay News: Peter McNee Leaves Poggio, Vin Antico Closes

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Chef Peter McNee. Photo via Facebook.

I was surprised to read in the Scoop that chef Peter McNee is leaving POGGIO after seven years—seems he is looking for his own new place and is considering San Francisco for the location (which makes me happy, because the guy is mega talented). His last day is February 3rd; taking his place will be Ben Balesteri, who is currently the senior sous chef.

Farther north, Scoop reports VIN ANTICO in San Rafael has closed after six years. 881 4th St. at Lootens, San Rafael.

Poggio            - 777 Bridgeway Sausalito - 415-332-7771

Oakland Haps: The Forge and Lungomare at Jack London Square; Park Burger

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The waterfront patio at The Forge. Photo via Facebook.

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The pepperoni pizza at The Forge. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

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The dining room at The Forge in the evening. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

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The blazing oven at The Forge. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Open as of today in Jack London Square is THE FORGE, a new project that’s right on the marina. I had a chance to take a look at this hefty 4,100-square-foot spot last week: it’s a masculine and industrial-modern space, featuring 100 seats inside, with some elevated booths in the back and 17 seats at the bar. There’s a long communal table made from a steel beam and a glass top, burnt plywood floors, huge windows, and numerous custom-fabricated touches for the restaurant.

The primary focus of the menu is the pizza coming out of the 800-degree Mugnaini oven, which veers from classic Italian picks, like a marinara or margherita, to more inventive kinds, like a pepperoni version that uses knobs of fresh uncured housemade pepperoni, plus the kick of Calabrian peperoncino, thinly sliced red onion, and cream ($15), or a guanciale pizza with chicories, Castelvetrano olives, and leeks ($17), which I think begs for an egg on it ($2). The crust has a light sourdough tang to it, and it was revealed that it’s a take on Tartine Bakery’s country bread recipe—it also has some smoked sea salt on the crust that will make you want to eat each and every bite. The executive chef is Jeffrey Amber, with pizza consulting by Jeff Krupman of Pizza Hacker, and the sous chef is Jeffrey Hayden.

The rest of the menu highlights some Cali-American dishes, with standouts like mussels in a spicy beer broth ($12), fried cheese curds from Wisconsin ($7.50), salads like a deeelicious Green Goddess with sieved egg ($10), and a few larger entrées (think meatballs, a burger, and chicken pot pie), with nothing more than $17. For dessert, you should consider a baked-to-order chocolate chip cookie, with a hint of salt. The menu features 20 craft beers (including 10 beers on tap using a custom-designed, cast-iron tap system), cocktails, and both Cali and European wines.

There’s a sure-to-be-popular outdoor area with a view of the marina, with room for 50, plus two blazing fire pits. Le Bon Temps restaurant group is behind the project, with Bob Burke (Pat Kuleto Restaurant Group and Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.), restaurant entrepreneur Michael Karp (owner of Barbacoa and Table 24 in Orinda), and architect/designer/builder Andy Byrnes (The Construction Zone Ltd.). Opening hours are 11am-2pm and then 5pm onward—it will be open continuously soon. 66 Franklin St. at 1st St., Oakland, 510-268-3200.

Very nearby is LUNGOMARE opening on Thursday February 7th in the former Miss Pearl’s Jam House by Chris Pastena (Chop Bar), Temoor Noor (Grand Tavern), and Tom Henderson. The chef is Craig DiFonzo (previously Cantinetta Piero in Yountville), preparing a Northern Italian menu, with some coastal and rustic dishes (look for seafood—including grilled whole fish and crudo—handmade pastas, pizza, and house-cured meats). Jim Maxwell of Architects II is outfitting the place with two heated patios (80 seats), a pizza oven, raw bar, rotisserie, pasta room, bar area, main dining room (120 seats), and a private dining room, plus there will be an adjacent café for morning coffee service with Roast Coffee (opening February 11th). Cocktails will also be available (created by Paul Christensen, formerly of Oakland’s Haven), and plenty of wines, with an emphasis on those from coastal regions. Linden Street Brewery is creating custom beers just for Lungomare. After opening weekend festivities, Lungomare will be open for breakfast (in the café), lunch, and dinner seven days a week. 1 Broadway St. at Water, Oakland, 510-444-7171.

Now open in Glenview is PARK BURGER, a casual burger place that a reader tells me is making the neighborhood really happy (and yes, it’s kid-friendly). The patties are made with Marin Sun Farms grass-fed beef, and there’s a variety of fries (garlic or chili cheese) and onion rings, plus hot dogs, shakes, and wine for the adults. Open daily 11am-9pm. 4218 Park Blvd. at Edgewood, Oakland, 510-479-1402.

"American Meat" Free Screening at UC Berkeley

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On Monday February 4th, catch a free screening of a new documentary on farming, American Meat. The film takes a look at meat production, and asks whether or not sustainable farming methods could work on a large scale in this country. It starts at 6pm, with a limited number of free burritos from Chipotle, followed by the screening at 7pm. After the film, local urban farmer and author Novella Carpenter (author of Farm City) will lead a panel discussion on the topic. For details on the panelists and to RSVP to the event, go here. Sibley Auditorium in the Bechtel Engineering Center, UC Berkeley.

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

Get the tablehopper App: Top Late-Night Eats in SF!

You like to eat late? Head on over to the virtual shelves of the iTunes store for 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.)

You can score tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats in SF in the iPhone App Store for $2.99. Yup, the same price as a slice of pizza.

**Check out some press about the app (including mentions on Daily Candy, The Bold Italic, and Tasting Table). The next time it’s late and you’re hangry on the streets of San Francisco, let tablehopper guide you to salvation!

This app is part of the Know What network of apps, which features creative and smart people from all over the country recommending their favorite places and best local secrets.


the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Daniel Hyatt Has Left the Alembic

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Daniel Hyatt at The Alembic; photo via Facebook by Claypool Cellars.

Last week I tweeted the news that bar manager Daniel Hyatt has left THE ALEMBIC, after six-plus years behind the stick there. I got to catch up with him yesterday with what’s next. No, he’s not leaving to become a brand ambassador (bless). For the next couple of months, he’s just happy to be living like a normal human being (and not a bar vampire). He said he’ll be doing a few shifts and events here and there, and some potential future pop-ups with Boris Portnoy of Satellite Republic.

Eventually he says he’d like to open something of his own. He left on good terms with Dave McLean (who also owns Magnolia), but he said probably won’t be doing the whiskey list for McLean’s upcoming Dogpatch brewery and barbecue restaurant (stand by for an update on that project soon).

While many will miss Hyatt’s bluesy cool, quick wit, and wicked dranks, we’ll just need to see what’s next for the man—you can’t keep that kind of creativity hidden away for long.

The Alembic            - 1725 Haight St. San Francisco - 415-666-0822

Boozy Time: Botanical Cocktail Class, Pisco Sour Day

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Ahhh, the pisco sour. Photo courtesy of Encanto.

Catch cocktailian H. Joseph Ehrmann of Elixir at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park on Thursday January 31st for a class on Magnolia Mixology. The magnolia will be the star of the show, and everyone who takes the class will make two cocktails highlighting the lovely flower, and will be gathering fresh herbs for their drinks. Tickets are $125 for the public and $80 for Botanical Garden members (some savory bites are included). 1199 9th Ave. at Martin Luther King, Golden Gate Park.

Here’s a fun international holiday: did you know that the first Saturday of February is Pisco Sour Day? Well, it is, so you’d better raise your glass. CANTINA will be celebrating with Campo de Encanto pisco sours for $4.99 (there’s a Niners reference there—did you catch it?) from 4pm-9pm on Saturday February 2nd. From 7pm-9pm you can catch some live Peruvian music with some flamenco flair from Guitar Box Story. 580 Sutter St. at Mason, 415-398-0195.

Wino Weekend: ZAP This Weekend, In Pursuit of Balance on February 4th

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Tasting notes and glasses at In Pursuit of Balance. Photo from Facebook.

For some delicious wines along with thoughtful oenophile commentary, check the wine events hitting the bay this weekend. First up is the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) Zinfandel Festival, which starts Thursday January 31st with the Epicuria Food & Zin Pairing, and continues throughout the weekend with flights on Friday February 1st and a winemakers dinner, plus the Grand Tasting on Saturday February 2nd. For details and tickets to each of the events, check here.

On Monday February 4th, catch In Pursuit of Balance, the annual celebration and tasting of California pinot noir and chardonnay, at BLUXOME STREET WINERY. The grand tasting in the evening runs from 6pm-9pm and you’ll find pours from 28 member wineries for $85 per person. Nab your tickets here. 53 Bluxome St. at 4th St.

If you’re hungry after IPOB (or Slow Wine!) on Monday evening, come by A16 for a special Puglian menu by guest chef Luigi Chirico (visiting from Masseria Quis ut Deus, Taranto, Puglia), collaborating with chef Rocky Maselli (the chef of A16’s upcoming restaurant in Rockridge, Oakland). Peep the menu here. Shelley Lindgren will also be pairing some great Puglian wines to highlight the menu.

A16            - 2355 Chestnut St. San Francisco - 415-771-2216

Slow Wine Tasting Event (Plus a Discount!)

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UPDATE: Due to circumstances beyond their control, the consumer portion of the event has been canceled (the trade and press portion will still be held). A ticket refund will be issued to you via your payment source. As a courtesy, you may pick up a complimentary copy of the Slow Guide 2nd edition at Terra Gallery (511 Harrison St.) from 5pm-7pm on February 4th. Please print your notification email to receive your copy.

The Slow Wine Guide from Slow Food Italy details all of the best sustainable and local Italian wineries, and you can try some of them out yourself on Monday February 4th at the Slow Wine Tasting. The event will feature Italian wines from more than 50 different producers (with 15 Italian regions represented), and everyone who attends will also receive a copy of the guide. As a tablehopper reader, you get 30 percent off the ticket price too. Just enter tablehopperlush at checkout. The event runs from 5:30pm-8pm at the Terra Gallery in SoMa, and tickets are $50 ($35 with your discount code). 511 Harrison St. at 1st St.

Get Ready, Strong Beer Month Is Almost Here

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Butchery at 4505 Meats. Photo from Facebook.

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Photo from SF Beer Week.

February is Strong Beer Month, which includes SF Beer Week, and there are lots of ways to celebrate your favorite suds.

First up, OZUMO RESTAURANT is offering a six-course tasting menu with pairings from its large selection of Japanese craft beers for the entire month of February. Take a look at the menu and pairings here. The dinner costs $75 per person (minimum two people), and reservations are available though not required.

For a great evening of brawn and beer, check out this Butchers & Beers event from Almanac Beer Co. On Friday February 15th from 6pm-9pm there will be food from 4505 Meats from three different stalls, including burgers, sausages, and barbecue, plus unlimited tastings of beers from seven different local breweries. Ryan Farr of 4505 will be doing a butchery demonstration and breaking down a whole pig, then auctioning off the resulting cuts for charity. Tickets to the event are $60 per person and include all beer and food, and all proceeds will benefit The Food Pantry. St. Gregory’s Church, 500 De Haro St. at Mariposa.

PRESS CLUB will be participating with some unusual and hard-to-find beer offerings, like its 48 Hours of Sour event Wed-Thu February 6th-7th. You’ll be able to taste Cantillon, a coveted sour option, among many others. There will also be a special Mikkeller yeast tasting; details can be found on the website.

Also coming up is SF Beer Week, from February 8th-17th. Lots of restaurants will be putting on special dinner events all over the Bay Area, like Almanac Beer Co. at Central Kitchen, Shmaltz Brewing at Wise Sons, a special Trappist dinner at Monk’s Kettle, and the Sau and Brau whole pig roast in San Leandro. Check out details for each of the events, plus tickets and more, on the website.

Press Club            - 20 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco - 415-744-5000

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the socialite

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

Some Mardi Gras Parties Where You Can Let the Good Times Roll

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Samba dancers at Town Hall’s Mardi Gras celebration in 2011. Photo from Facebook.

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Crawfish arriving at Boxing Room. Photo from Facebook.

Event Info

Tuesday Jan 29, 2013 – Tuesday Feb 12, 2013

Hooray for Fat Tuesday! Mardi Gras is February 12th this year, and here are some spots where you can get your ragin’ Cajun on. TOWN HALL is doing its annual Mardi Gras celebration, which begins at 6pm with unlimited buttermilk fried chicken (ruh roh), étouffée, and more Creole specialities, plus drinks like the Big Easy staple Hurricane cocktail and Abita beer. Yeah, come hungry. Live music will be from the D’Amphibians, and there will be beads (what you do to earn them is your business), samba dancers, and all sorts of festivities. Tickets are $60 (plus tax) in advance or $75 at the door.

At BOXING ROOM you can enjoy a favorite Louisiana tradition: crawfish. For $15 you get a pound of them, plus fixings (the regular menu will also be available). There will be Mardi Gras Bock from Abita Brewing Co. on tap, with live music from 5:30pm-11pm. There’s king cake, too, thank heavens, and it’s actually available now until February 12th to get you in the mood. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant.

SOCIAL KITCHEN & BREWERY will also be throwing a Fat Tuesday party, replete with Louisiana-inspired dishes, music from New Orleans, and, of course, beer (how handy, it’s during Beer Week!). Admission to the party is free, and food and beverages can be purchased there. It will be open 4pm-12am.

Also with some specials in addition to their regularly-scheduled Cajun programming is BRENDA’S FRENCH SOUL FOOD, which will be open 8am-10pm on Mardi Gras (they’re usually closed Tuesday nights). Snag a King Cake beignet with berry compote, vanilla cream cheese, and pecans, or try New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp. You can also check out drink specials like Abita Mardi Gras Bock and Hurricanes. Plus, live music from 6pm-8:30pm.

Get Your Tickets Now for Pebble Beach Food and Wine

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Chefs at Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2012. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Event Info

Thursday Apr  4, 2013 – Sunday Apr  7, 2013 Individual events start at $100, packages start at $995 Pebble Beach, CA

The sixth annual eating, drinking, and carousing extravaganza that is PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE will take place this year April 4th-7th. Now is a great time to snag tickets to events you don’t want to miss, from the opening evening reception to the weekend of tasting tent action. Many big-name chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Grant Achatz, Dominique Crenn, Pierre Gagnaire, and Tyler Florence will participate, with cooking demonstrations, special dinners and lunches, and lots of one-of-a-kind wine tastings (bring on the verticals!).

There will also be a special Battle of the Coasts pair of dinners, with East Coast chefs cooking one evening and West Coast chefs the next, for proper comparison. You can find a full lineup of the events here. Many of them are available individually, starting at $100, or you can purchase a package deal at varying levels, starting at $995.


the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

The Cos

Seems Bill Cosby is a fan of Nopa—he was spotted having dinner there last Friday (announced via Haighteration). (He was also spotted at Nopa last March.)

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