Marcia Gagliardi

I was bummed to miss the preview luncheon for the brand-new ~MASON PACIFIC~, which just opened in the former Lalola space that borders Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and Chinatown. As previously mentioned on tablehopper, the project is from Jay Thomson and Shannon McTiernan Thomson, and executive chef Sean McTiernan…

As previously mentioned on tablehopper, there’s a new bar and restaurant at the Four Seasons, called MKT RESTAURANT - BAR. After a revamp by New York-based design firm AvroKO (the first since the bar opened in 2001), the space now has dark oak floors, hunter green and black leather…

Very late on Friday night, a tablehopper follower on Twitter let me know CHEZ SPENCER was on fire. Ugh. ABC7 reports it was a two-alarm fire, causing “nearly $1.2 million in damage”—such a bummer, that beautiful restaurant. We will stand by for updates from owner Laurent Katgely…

Fans of the best pho ga in town (#9 all the way!) will be happy to know TURTLE TOWER has reopened on Larkin Street in its new location, and right on schedule. The new space is a bit bigger (70 seats instead of 46, with 40 more in 6 months)…

If you want to step your toes into ~SAISON~ without ponying up for the full tasting menu (for $298), you can experience the more approachable Salon menu instead. The à la carte menu features dishes like Monterey Bay abalone, stew of rice and abalone liver, coastal greens, and artichoke ($20)…