The Chatterbox

A couple bits of hiring news: over at ~ZARÉ AT FLY TRAP~, chef-owner Hoss Zaré has hired Zack Freitas (Station 1, Commis, Manresa) as his chef de cuisine. Scoop mentions while the Persian-Mediterranean menu will keep its focus, there will be an updated menu in January. I always like to…

Over the next few days, these fun, unique, and sure to be tasty neighborhood events are coming to a ‘hood near you. Keep ‘em on your radar as you’re making dinner plans. Now that Dungeness crab season is finally underway, you can enjoy a pop-up WHOLE DUNGENESS CRAB FEAST…

On Friday December 16th, Suite Foods—a wholesale bakery specializing in Liège waffles from Belgium—will be making their waffles to order and on site at DUBOCE PARK CAFÉ from 2pm-6pm. 2 Sanchez St. at Duboce, 415-621-1108. And on Sunday December 18th, Benoit, the man behind the Benwaffle®, will be…

It’s been a long time coming: opening for dinner this Wednesday December 14th in Jack London Square is ~HAVEN~, the latest Daniel Patterson Group project. Executive chef Kim Alter (Plate Shop, Ubuntu) will be offering a menu of new California cuisine, featuring whole animal and vegetable preparations, and most…

I had a chance to catch up with Alexeis Filipello, owner of Bar Dogwood in Oakland and her upcoming project STAG’S LUNCHETTE. She’s opening a lunch spot in the former Uncle Dougie’s, and will be serving a variety of sandwiches made with sustainable and house-cured meats, like…

Lots of activity in Oakland: chef Paul Canales (previously at Oliveto—for 15 years!) has decided on a spot for his next restaurant—it will be in the gorg Oakland Floral Depot building where Flora is located. Scoop mentions there will be a bar, music, art, and 80 seats. His…

I’ve been trying to get official information on this project since July, and some details have finally been released (Scoop has their story here). Opening in 2012 is COMAL, a project from owner and first-time restaurateur John Paluska, the former manager for Phish. The focus will be on rustic,…

Due to open this Friday December 9th is ~MOZZERIA~ in the former Il Cantuccio space in the Mission from the husband-and-wife team of Russell and Melody Stein. The modern Italian menu will feature both traditional and non-traditional pizzas (including one with roast duck, hoisin sauce, and green onion), and an…

Eater confirms BATTER BAKERY and SQUARE MEALS, a meal delivery service, are now open in the former Bombay Masala space on Polk Street. Eater has a link to the opening menu here, plus there is wine on tap, and bottled beers. 2127 Polk St. at Broadway, 415-674-1069. Due to softly…

Due to open in the Financial District this Wednesday December 7th is GALETTE 88. As previously mentioned in tablehopper, this gourmet galette and crêpe place is from Erin Rooney (Slow Club, Serpentine), Céline Guillou (formerly of Yield Wine Bar), and Jean-Marie Gillet. Their 40-seat spot will serve 10 savory buckwheat…