The Chatterbox

It’s a new year, with some chef shuffling happening around town at places with alphanumeric names. Over at ~PARALLEL 37~, they have found a replacement for Ron Siegel, who is now at Michael Mina. Taking the helm is Michael Rotondo, who was most recently executive chef at Charlie Trotter’…

Looking for some new menu offerings and deals? Well, check it out. First up, I was pretty blown away with the prime rib I tasted at ~ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE~ a couple of weeks ago, and it ends up they have a nice special on it: Prime Rib Sunday. You get…

Some news in the marketplace (har) around town. First up: the Cal-Divis Market (previously Blue Fog) has closed; taking its place is THE ABUNDANT MARKET, due to open around February 10th. 2792 California St. at Divisadero. SFoodie mentions BUYER’S BEST FRIEND (with locations in North Beach and the Upper…

The Good Food Awards are back, acknowledging not just talented, innovative, and hardworking food professionals, but also those who are trying to make our food system more sustainable, accessible, and responsible. You won’t want to miss out on the festivities, from the gala to the marketplace. It all takes…

Catch some local chefs talking about the DIY restaurant trend at THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB on Wednesday February 13th. The panel discussion will include Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions, and Nicolaus Balla and Cortney Burns of Bar Tartine. The chefs will be discussing the benefits and pitfalls…

Oakland continues to be en fuego, starting with the much anticipated opening of ~DUENDE~ from Paul Canales (previously Oliveto) and business partner-GM Rocco Somazzi. The 4,000-square-foot space is really catching people’s eyes, starting with the gorgeous Art Deco facade of the historic Floral Depot Building (Flora and Xolo…

You can never really have enough street food, and to prove it, OFF THE GRID will be starting two new pods this month. On every Thursday and Saturday, head to Pier 29 for food truck eats and America’s Cup spectating from 11am-2pm. Each event will feature four different trucks;…

Now due to open on Friday January 4th is RAMEN SHOP, the new spot opening on College Avenue in the former Tachibana Sushi Bar space in Rockridge. As previously mentioned on tablehopper, the project is from Sam White (previously maître d’ at Chez Panisse and a founder of OPENrestaurant), with…

Great news for the many fans of FIOR D’ITALIA: after closing in May, the restaurant is reopening on Sunday December 23rd under new ownership. Executive chef Gianni Audieri, who has been the chef for the last 30 years, has purchased the restaurant with his wife Trudy (they will be…

As reported in tablehopper last year, Hayes Valley is getting an adorable bread pudding shop. It’s called SCHULZIES, and after lots of delays, it’s set to open this week. Final inspections are Friday (that’s today!), and then they’ll be able to throw open their doors and…