The Chatterbox

Up in Marin, Inside Scoop reports that THE OLEMA INN has been taken over by Margaret Grade and Daniel DeLong of MANKA’S. Grade reports to KWMR radio in West Marin that they will stay true to the building’s roots as a roadhouse (since 1876!) by keeping the menu…

Now open on top of ~FARINA~ in the Mission is your new dream spot for an alfresco meal. Yup, the upstairs terrace is finally open. There are a number of tables (with wood benches) that are perfect for groups, protected from the wind on one side by large panels the…

Exciting news and a blast from the past: chef Sante Salvoni (previously the chef of Slow Club for seven years) is coming back to the stoves after a seven-year private-cheffing stint. He is the chef-partner in ~MAU~, a Southeast Asian spot opening in mid-July at 665 Valencia in the former…

After hosting a few lunchtime trial runs, SOMA STREAT FOOD PARK is holding its grand opening this Wednesday June 6th. The food truck pod, just across the street from Costco, will feature a rotating selection of food trucks, up to 10 at a time. The pod looks a bit like…

Just after my deadline last week, I received a call from Sarah Kirnon (previously at Hibiscus) with the good news that she finally found a home for MISS OLLIE’S: in Swan’s Market in Old Oakland. She’ll be in good company, with Cosecha Cafe and the upcoming Rosamunde.…

Somehow this café opening slipped past my radar, but last month 144 KING ART CAFÉ opened in SoMa, right across from the ballpark. True to its name, it has a very artistic look (the space is a lot like an art gallery). The in-house chef is Michelle Mathews, previously the…

Burning up the Twitter yesterday was the news that Starbucks bought LA BOULANGE CAFÉ & BAKERY for $100 million from New World Group (a privately held global investment firm and majority investor of La Boulange). Founder Pascal Rigo is going to be working with Starbucks to develop their menu offerings.…

For those of you eager to try pizza from the ~DEL POPOLO~ truck, you can swing by Bar Agricole on Mondays in June for a pie, and you can order a drink from Bar Agricole. Win-win. Starts at 5:30pm. Jonathan Kauffman tweeted a pic of this movie-like poster that…

A few things to note: first, ~SOCIAL KITCHEN & BREWERY~ in the Inner Sunset is now serving Sunday brunch from 10am-2pm. Downtown workers: THE MELT launched breakfast (open at 7am), so you can order an Egg-in-a-Hole Melt, Banana-Maple Waffle Melt, or oatmeal on your smartphone while on the F Market—…