The Chatterbox

As previously reported on tablehopper, the new restaurant headed to the former Mecca space in the Castro is SHANGHAI, from restaurateur Francis Tsai. They will be opening (softly) August 22nd (that’s tomorrow!). Tsai has brought on chef Leo Gan, formerly of Shanghai 1930, to run the kitchen. The food…

Liquor license activity revealed the upcoming addresses for both the new ~SAISON~ and BRENDA’S ORIGINAL PO’BOYS projects. First, Saison will be opening at 178 Townsend, in the Arc Light Co. building. Scoop confirms the owners, chef Joshua Skenes and sommelier Mark Bright, plan to move into the 4,…

Good news, fans of princess cake and little Italian cookies: 98-year-old VICTORIA PASTRY CO. has completed their move to a new North Beach location, across from Washington Square Park. It just opened over the weekend. Hours for now are Sun-Thu 7am-7pm, and Fri-Sat 7am-8pm (or 9pm—time will tell). 700…

This Friday August 24th, ~ROAM ARTISAN BURGERS~ will be opening their second location, at 1923 Fillmore in Pacific Heights. The new spot will feature the same well-sourced burgers, delicious housemade sodas, and rockin’ Straus Creamery milk shakes available at the Union Street location. In the burger department, look for the…

Grub Street notes a new lunch spot called SMALL FOODS has opened in South Park, which the architect-owners are calling “sort of a gourmet 7-11, with a small café up front.” Think soup, sandwiches, sushi, salads, and more; beer and wine is coming soon. Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat 8am-6pm (contingent on…

Scoop reports The Palace Hotel’s very traditional KYO-YA is closing on September 21st after 20 years in business. Lunch and dinner will be served for the next month; the space is currently on the market. 2 New Montgomery St. at Market (in the Palace Hotel), 415-546-5090. 20 for $20…

A couple of special seafood suppers this week: ~AMERICANO~ at Hotel Vitale is hosting its first ever Oceanic Dinner this Thursday August 23rd. Not only will chef Kory Stewart and his team prepare the Oceanic meal, they will catch the seafood themselves beforehand! The final menu will be determined by…

Good news: BEAUTY’S BAGEL SHOP is verrrrry close to opening its shop this week, potentially Wednesday or Thursday. East Bay Express has more on these Montreal-style wood-fired beauties coming our way. Tentative hours: Tue-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. 3838 Telegraph Ave. at 38th St., Oakland, 510-788-6098. Back in May, I…

Now open in San Anselmo is LINCOLN PARK WINE BAR. The new spot is intent on serving the neighborhood delicious wine and food, with a focus on local pours and seasonal ingredients. Chef Steve Simmons will change the menu every day, and it will be posted on their Facebook page…

Very exciting news for fans of chef Ravi Kapur (Liholiho Yacht Club) and ~PICCINO~ in Dogpatch: starting the week of August 26th, Kapur is going to stand in as guest chef for the months of September and October. I know, win-win! The partners are currently deep in discussion with a…