The Chatterbox

I thought you’d like to know about two more cool, upcoming “guest chef” programs happening around town. First, when THE SUMMIT opens in the Mission on Tuesday August 24th (well, that’s the plan for now), chef Eddie Lau is going to be launching a guest pastry program. He…

I recently met with chefs Daniel Patterson and Jeremy Fox to discuss their upcoming project, ~PLUM~ (and garden!), but the phone call I received yesterday from Fox held news of another trajectory: alas, he will no longer be involved in Patterson’s Plum project(s). So sorry, Oakland. Well, no…

Michael Mina’s plans for The Westin St. Francis on Union Square have been announced: since he’s moving MICHAEL MINA to the former AQUA location, he’s going to be opening BOURBON STEAK in its place. Restaurant MICHAEL MINA will close mid-September (it’s due to re-open late October…

Liquor licenses announce the new tenant for 1550 Hyde, SEVEN HILLS, listing Alexander Alioto as a partner. Inside Scoop has further details on what’s going in: the restaurant will be “classic, straightforward Italian with seasonal focus,” and the plan is to open by October (they take possession September 1st)…

The next couple months will include some guest chef appearances at both $$$$ and $ establishments. Over at ~SAISON~, Joshua Skenes is inviting guest chefs to cook on the outdoor hearth on the Terrace for a Fire Dinner Series. First up: next Wednesday August 18th, Jeremy Fox (Ubuntu, and most recently working…

A couple tablehopper readers let me know about an upcoming open house to discuss the proposed location of a new LA BOULANGE BAKERY at 1224 9th Avenue, currently the location of Bistro 9. Yup, the Boulangeification of the city continues, almost tracking with the current pizzeria pace. For those who…

A new place to unleash your inner Cookie Monster has opened in the Fillmore: BUMZY’S COOKIES. The mother-and-daughter team of Sheila Harris and Toni Young are making their organic cookies daily, seven in all, which are named after family members: Sweet Sadie (sugar cookie), Bumzy Classic (chocolate chip), Bumzy…