The Chatterbox

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been hearing some rumblings about potential changes to ~JASPER’S CORNER TAP~, specifically relating to the fate of the talented bar team there. It ends up there was a recent ownership change with the Hotel Serrano, although Kimpton has a long history…

Okay folks, you do not want to miss this. On Sunday January 12th, LE DIX-SEPT PÂTISSERIE will be popping up at BIONDIVINO for brunch from 11am-2pm. A variety of sweet and savory pastries will be available for pickup, including a brand-new apple tarte tatin and a seasonal mushroom tart. Check…

East Bay Express reports that food truck falafel maven LIBA FALAFEL will be opening a brick-and-mortar location this summer. The new location, in Uptown Oakland, will offer a similar setup as the food truck, with the delicious falafel and a spread of toppings and fillings at the “falafel bar,” but…

Local chef Carlo Espinas, most recently the executive chef at Comstock Saloon, has been signed onto a new restaurant project in downtown Santa Cruz. The new spot is called ASSEMBLY, and it will be opening this winter. Owners Kendra Baker and Zachary Davis (of The Glass Jar restaurant group) are…

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour and experience a preview meal at LEADER HOUSE, the somewhat mysterious new project opening in the former Payne Mansion on Sutter Street. It’s a beautiful and grand building, built in 1881—perhaps you have attended an event there (it has most…

Due to open on Wednesday December 18th is VERBENA in the former Marbella/Rex Cafe space on Polk. The project is from Berkeley’s Gather team, with chef Sean Baker leading the kitchen. You can look at the contemporary and seasonal California menu here, which has some bites ($5-$7)…

Yesterday I had a chance to swing by the about-to-open PRESIDIO PIZZA COMPANY that’s opening in the former Frankie’s Bohemian Café space, and they had just passed their inspections. Which means this new pizza spot will be opening for business this Thursday December 19th at 11am! I already…

The Lower Haight is getting a new microbrewery, called BLACK SANDS, according to Haighteration. The new venture is from Robert Patterson, co-owner of shops Revolver and Voyager, as well as the Mission’s Ken Ken Ramen. Some brewing friends of Patterson’s will be assisting with the project, and it…

Even though Sebo sadly closed, fans of Michael Black’s talented touch with seafood will be happy to know he’s involved at LOCAL MISSION MARKET as the fishmonger, and he just launched chirazushi (some say “chirashi”) on Mondays and Wednesdays for lunch. You’ll get a serving of “scattered…

We received word that FERRY PLAZA SEAFOOD will be closing their Ferry Plaza Marketplace location on the eve of Sunday December 22nd. They are planning for a late spring/early summer 2014 opening at their new location at 653 Union Street, where construction has already begun. Castro Biscuit caught the…