The Chatterbox

A report by Dana Massey-Todd: Just a quick trip down Highway One to Pacifica, the SURF SPOT opens today in the parking lot adjacent to Sea Bowl. Derek Burns, a Pacifica resident, surfer, and former chef at Bay Area restaurants like Vertigo, Stars (Palo Alto), and Elka, has partnered with…

Some Berkeley Buzz: first, Berkeleyside reports SKETCH ICE CREAM will be reopening in a new space that’s three times as large as its original spot at 2080 4th St. (which also means an expanded offering, like baked goods and candy). The targeted opening is mid-July. 2080 4th St. at…

Well, this is exciting: after the success of their wonderful noodle soup pop-up, SOUP JUNKIE has found a brick-and-mortar location on Market Street in the Financial District. They will be replacing the former OISHII CAFE space at 388 Market Street, serving breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday. The opening is slated for…

My new tablehopper editorial assistant was doing some Hayes Valley scouting this morning, and discovered who is moving into the now-closed TERRA CAFE & BAKERY at the corner of Gough and Hayes: a second location of Potrero Hill’s CHEZ MAMAN. (It’s a ballsy move considering Absinthe is just…

It’s official: PRIME DIP has landed at the old Jubili Yogurt location at 1515 Fillmore Street (thanks to a tablehopper reader for the tip). They are serving the well-stuffed, quality classic sandwiches made notorious at their Larkin Street location. Look out for lobster, prime rib, and pastrami dip sandwiches.…

After five years as the oh-so-talented pastry chef at ~NOPA~, Amy Brown has departed for her next venture. I caught up with nopa’s chef-partner Laurence Jossel, who said she was a huge contributor and that we have her to thank for brunch. Fortunately Amy’s recipes for the sopaipillas,…

Last week, I received a call from Scott Holley, the owner of STEPS OF ROME CAFFE in North Beach, who told me that the Steps was now closed. About six months ago, he also closed the neighboring Steps of Rome Trattoria; he owned both businesses for 10 years. No more…

Summer is bringing us some exciting new pop-up events. Paul Canales, formerly of Oliveto, will be hosting a preview of his new venture ~DUENDE~ at NAKED KITCHEN SF. Canales has just returned from a culinary trip to Spain in preparation for Duende’s opening in the Fall, and will be…

Back in April, I mentioned the upcoming HOPSCOTCH in Uptown Oakland from chef Kyle Itani and co-owner Jenny Schwartz. It’s going to open this Friday June 15th (and the burger is supposedly outstanding). To recap, it’s a Japanese-inspired American bistro opening in the former Chef Edwards Bar-B-Que spot.…

Starting this month, NICK’S PIZZA in Oakland will be offering brunch on Saturdays throughout the summer. Brunch in pizza parlance means fresh eggs baked on top of both vegetarian and bacon pies, of course, as well as waffles with seasonal fruit and biscuits with housemade sausage gravy. Brunch begins…