The Chatterbox

When you read my review of ~54 MINT~ a couple of months ago, were you hungry to try chef Mattia Marcelli’s Roman menu (yeah, like the cheesy cacio e pepe?). Have you ever traveled to Italy, and miss the awesome aperitivo spreads you’ll find at bars in the…

And just like that, ~MONSIEUR BENJAMIN~ is opening tomorrow, Wednesday July 9th. To recap, the 90-seat project is from Corey Lee of Benu, Jason Berthold (previously RN74, and French Laundry and Per Se, where he worked with Lee), and Thomas Palauqui. Lee and company have had a year to prepare…

Fans of the charming and intimate original Loló location on 22nd Street will be pleased to know it has reopened as LOLÓ CEVICHERÍA, featuring five kinds of ceviches and some favorites from the original menu, like the tuna tacon and taco tropical, plus a few more small plates, like guacamole.…

Last week we mentioned RYE PROJECT from Adam Mesnick was about to open, and whaddya know, it’s now open! To recap, 1058 HOAGIE has closed after two years (I’ll miss you, #1) and now Mesnick’s Jewish-style deli has taken its place—you can peep the menu here.…

~QUINCE~ is closing temporarily from July 25th until September 19th for renovations. The new space, which is being designed by Douglas Durkin, will increase the comfort of the restaurant, with a new entrance, custom lighting, and additional exposed brick. The warmth of the space will also be enhanced with new,…

Back in May, we mentioned that LE MARAIS BAKERY in the Marina was not only expanding into the space next door to include a bistro space (Le Marais Bistro), but owners Patrick Ascaso and Joanna Pulcini-Ascaso also made some new hires (executive chef Nicolette Manescalchi, head pastry chef Emily Riddell,…

CREAM, the local ice cream sandwich chain whose name stands for “Cookies Rule Everything Around Me,” is opening their first San Francisco location in the former Ti Couz space on 16th Street, Eater reports. The customizable menu offers 20 ice cream flavors, along with 10 different kinds of cookies, including…

It looks like ~AMBER DHARA~ on Valencia has closed, according to Scoop. Owner Vijay Bist says that although he has closed the space, he hopes to find some new partners and relaunch the space with a new concept. It’s a huge space (with seating for more than 275), and…

Kevin Castellanos, who is currently the sous chef at Bocadillos and previously worked at Range and State Bird Provisions, is starting a new pop-up, called Salvi. His very first pop-up is happening on Sunday July 13th from 4:30pm-8:30pm at BOCADILLOS. Castellanos was raised in El Salvador, and his…

On Saturday and Sunday July 19th-20th, Japantown will be overrun with ramen and sake at the The Pop Gourmet Food Festival, part of the J-Pop Summit. There will be a section just for ramen, with all bowls for just $8, each from a different ramen shop. Participants include Men Oh,…