Marcia Gagliardi

After announcing the upcoming opening of BRENDA’S in Temescal one year ago, look who’s now open! Brenda Buenviaje and Libby Truesdell have opened Brenda’s Oakland in a new building, the Maya, at Broadway and 41st. It’s fast-casual/counter service, offering the best of their signature items,…

In the last issue of tablehopper, I reported on the changeover of Belga to WILDSEED on Union, and it’s now open! Zip zip, that was fast. Check out chef Blair Warsham’s savory, eclectic menu of seasonal, healthy, flavorful, satisfying dishes with some global influences, like a Vietnamese rice…

Some changes are happening in Bill Higgins and Bill Upson’s Real Restaurants group, which is behind Bar Bocce, Bix, Bungalow 44, Buckeye Roadhouse, Fog City, Panorama, Picco, and Pizzeria Picco. That list used to include Zero Zero in SoMa, but now chef Bruce Hill has bought them out and…

Are you a fan of Sababa’s Mediterranean sandwiches? Yeah, me too. A lot. Which is why I’m excited to try chef Guy Eshel’s latest venture with the Sababa team, FLYBIRD. It’s another quick-service spot downtown, serving a variety of internationally inspired fried chicken sandwiches and salads.…

After 26 years of service and their popular happy hour, PALOMINO will be closing after service on Wednesday (they will be hosting their last private event on Thursday). I spoke with a representative for the restaurant, who said it’s due to a lease renewal situation. I used to work…

Loosen that waistband, you have some amazing food events to attend! Continuing this week at ~CHINA LIVE~ is Culinary Flavors of Taiwan,  with daily tastings, demonstrations, limited edition menu items, and specialty cocktails. Try unique ingredients like dragonfruit noodles, black peanut butter, and lemon aiyu jelly! Take a look at…