Back in October, I broke the news that Russian Hill’s Zarzuela was closing after 24 years, and ABRAZO was opening in its place. Chef-owner Michael Pawlik (prviously Frascati) and his girlfriend and co-owner Amanda Banks Barker (Mamanoko) got it open just over the holidays. The updated menu has primarily Spanish dishes (you’ll still find octopus, but there’s a scallop tartare as well), and you’ll enjoy a refreshed restaurant inside as well. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Sun 5:30pm-9pm. 2000 Hyde St. at Union, 415-872-9239. [Via Chronicle.]
Wine lovers, specifically Champagne lovers (raises hand) have a new spot to hang out in Dogpatch: UNGRAFTED has opened in Dogpatch, serving as a wine bar, restaurant, and wine shop. It’s from a married sommelier couple, Rebecca Fineman and Chris Gaither, who have brought on executive chef Nicholas Turpin (Boulevard) who has created a menu that goes much further than cheese plates: look for scallop ceviche, braised tongue tostones, salmon collar, Creole-spiced buttermilk fried chicken, short ribs, fries with sherry salt, and more (dishes range in a variety of sizes, mostly $10-$18).
In addition to wines by the glass, you’ll find a selection of half-bottles, plus beer, sake, and non-alcoholic options—all the servers are sommeliers, so you’ll be in good hands. The space has two levels and 90 seats, with some fun design touches. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm and Sun 5pm-9pm (open for retail purchases at 12pm, and 2pm on the weekend). 2419 3rd St. at 22nd St, 415-814-2129. [Via Eater.]
There’s a new brunch and burger spot in Hayes Valley: LAGUNA, serving that lobster grilled cheese sandwich (pictured) with tomato bisque ($18), pulled pork hash ($15), soufflé pancakes ($13), and build-a-Benedict ($17), featuring housemade English muffins. There are also salads, sandwiches (including fish or pulled pork), and a few kinds of burgers. There is an emphasis on using quality and local ingredients, and housemade items, including pie. Open daily 9am-3pm and 5pm-9pm for now. 602 Hayes St. at Laguna.
And I forgot to run this item last month, whoops: the HINATA team have opened a new location in Japantown called SASA, serving Japanese lunch during the day, sushi, and a $60 kaiseki tasting menu in the evening. It’s from Hinata partner Weida Chen (Sushi Ran, Ijji), with chef Jing Huang (Sushi Ran, Kusakabe). [Via Eater.]
Beet-cured salmon at Abrazo. Yelp photo by Abrazo.
