Marcia Gagliardi

Back in October 2012, I heard things weren’t going as planned for Richie Nakano’s HAPA location, which was supposed to open next to ~STATE BIRD PROVISIONS~ at 1527 Fillmore. I’ve been checking in for months for status reports, and kept my word to not mention the location…

The city erupted with the news on SFist last week that The Tamale Lady (Virginia Ramos) was no longer allowed to wheel her cart o’ tamales over to sell them at Zeitgeist anymore, due to a crackdown from the ABC and Health Department. Zeitgeist (somewhat helplessly) made the announcement on…

Now for some chef changes. First, over at ~HI LO~, things continue to be in flux: Scott Youkilis has let go of chef Ryan Ostler, and now Robin Song of Hog & Rocks (just across the street) will be overseeing both kitchens. Scoop reports there will be some menu changes…

As reported in tablehopper last year, French-inspired LE MARAIS BAKERY is opening in the former Jamba Juice location on Chestnut. The new venture comes from Paris native Patrick Ascaso and is a tribute to the boulangeries he grew up with in France. They’re serving French-style levain breads…

Fans of RAMEN UNDERGROUND on Kearny now have a second location to score their noodles: Japantown! The recently opened location is in the former Sanuki Udon at 22 Peace Plaza, Suite 530. Please note it’s cash only for now. Potentially opening this weekend is the new location of ~KASA…

COFFEE BAR has a third location in the works. The new spot is in the Financial District, on the ground floor of the St. Mary’s Garage. They’ll be keeping most of the same elements as their previous locations, including Mr. Espresso coffee, pastries from Starter Bakery and Sandbox…

NAKED LUNCH will be hosting chef Natalie Nesbit (she worked at Zinnia, Oliveto, and Café Majestic previously) and her pop-up Grasshopper on Sunday June 23rd, from 5pm-10pm. Her Asian-influenced menu includes chicken tsukune and mushroom “zombies” (stuffed buns named after an East Bay lunchroom staple). Check out…

Learn all about oysters from author Rowan Jacobsen on Thursday June 27th at ~WATERBAR~ during happy hour. From 2pm-5:30pm, the author of A Geography of Oysters will be on the patio, shucking oysters, answering questions about his book and, of course, about oysters. The book talks all about…

Potentially opening in early July in Oakland is a new wine bar and shop called THE RED WHALE (thanks to a tip on Chowhound). Owner Bradford Taylor is going to primarily focus on small-production California wines (with some on tap), plus some European wines will be in the mix.…