As previously mentioned on tablehopper, ~PICA PICA MAIZE KITCHEN~ opened another arepa outlet here in the city, this time in the Castro. The new spot debuted on Saturday March 23rd, with their signature maize-wiches, arepas, and some new dishes as well. This time around, look for appetizers to share, like nachos Pica Pica and shrimp ceviche, and some larger dinner plates, like a pulled pork pernil platter (yeah, say that five times fast). Check out all the new (and classic) menu choices here. They’ll also be offering table service this time around, and beer and wine will be flowing just as soon as the liquor license is approved. In keeping with their mostly gluten-free menu, they’ll be serving gluten-free beer, plus wine, sangria, and some regular microbrews too. They’re open daily from 11:30am-11pm. 3970 17th St. at Market, 415-525-3359.
Things are shaping up for Francesco D’Ippolito’s casual Italian project we mentioned was opening in the former Dancing Pigs space: it’s going to be called DANTE’S TABLE and is currently looking at a mid-April opening. He has brought on artist John Baden to do some murals inside, including two profiles of Dante looking at each other. Another fun element (for those of you familiar with the Divine Comedy): they are dividing the three areas into Paradiso, Purgatorio, and Inferno. The back patio and garden will be Paradiso—but, like in life, it looks like we’ll have to wait for it to open a bit later. 544 Castro St. at 19th St.
The grilled chicken arepa at Pica Pica. Photo from Facebook.
