Marcia Gagliardi

Wow, Italian stalwart IL FORNAIO has closed its SF location after 30 years at Levi’s Plaza (citing a rent increase, an aging building, and slow business). The other locations in Burlingame, Palo Alto, and San Jose are still open. 1265 Battery St. at Greenwich. [Via Hoodline.] That construction on…

After 10 years of serving the best fried chicken and waffles in West Oakland, Tanya Holland has officially closed her famed and beloved BROWN SUGAR KITCHEN at 2534 Mandela Parkway. It just wasn’t profitable, in spite of its popularity, and the maintenance and upkeep (trash, graffiti) was expensive. [Via…

You know what makes me happy? When one of the first chefs I ever interviewed, oh, like 14 years ago (back in 2004!) gets in touch to let me know about her new project. That would be Brenda Buenviaje of local Brenda’s fame—I met her when she was…

I’ve been keeping you posted about the opening of chef Anthony Strong’s PRAIRIE in the former Hog & Rocks location in the Mission, and now I have a firsthand update for you since I was invited for an opening night meal last week! He’s done an impressive…