The Chatterbox

As mentioned previously on tablehopper, NOIR (music alert on that website) from owner Brian Cassanego is bringing a new place to Hayes Valley. After some chef drama, it softly opened on April 2nd, with Joanna Karlinsky (of Sweet Jo’s Chili and Bicuits) as interim chef. Look out for her…

A tipster alerted me to some changes with chef Gordon Drysdale’s level of involvement with the SWEETWATER MUSIC HALL in Mill Valley: he is transitioning to more of a consulting, as-needed relationship. Basically, they knew there would ultimately be a time when it wasn’t going to be financially…

Back in August, we announced the upcoming opening of BITTERS BOCK AND RYE in the former Maharani, which was originally slated for last October. Yeah, this is how things go in this town. Well, thanks to a friend in the neighborhood, I have learned the place is currently in soft-opening…

As previously reported in tablehopper, 20 SPOT is bringing wine and small plates to the Mission. They’re all set to open this Friday March 29th, with a menu of small plates and snacks, plus more than 100 bottles of wine to choose from. Owners Bodhi Freedom (who owns Bacchus…

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…

According to the Scoop and a subsequent press release, sleepy West Portal has a new place for Italian food: TRATTORIA DA VITTORIO. The new restaurant, which is taking the place of the former Café for All Seasons, comes from Vittorio D’Urzo, whose résumé includes Piazza D’Angelo in Mill…

Giulietta Carrelli, the founder of the infinitely quirky TROUBLE COFFEE near Ocean Beach (which is celebrating its six-year anniversary) is opening a second location in Bayview on Monday April 1st. She didn’t have time to really talk, but mentioned a couple of new blends she’ll be serving: Dutz…

While at Taste of the Nation last week, I had a chance to catch up with chef-owner Melissa Perello, who informed me ~FRANCES~ will be temporarily closed from March 31st-April 8th. It will reopening with a new kitchen (they will be gutting the current one), plus there will be some…

Attention Pac Heights residents and shoppers: FLORIO has started weekend brunch service, 11am-3pm. The menu includes pain perdu, a croque-monsieur or croque-madame, Niçoise salad, duck confit hash, and a grass-fed burger. Check out a pic of the menu here. 1915 Fillmore St. at Pine, 415-775-4300. ~SERPENTINE~ is staying open until…

Some local spots are offering menu specials and more for your culinary consideration. First, ~NOMBE~ is inviting you to get a posse of your friends together (six or more) and to come by on Thursday nights for Rediscover the Izakaya. For $25 (inclusive), you’ll be able to graze on…