The Chatterbox

Since Richie Nakano just wrapped up his last night cooking at NOPA, he’s ramping up his HAPA RAMEN appearances with business partner Kitty Gallisa. This Thursday June 17th is their debut at a booth at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (10am-2pm), and then on Saturday June 19th, they’ll…

The James Beard Foundation and amfAR are hosting the SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE SOIRÉE to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of San Francisco Pride at the new SoMa gallery, 12 Gallagher Lane. James Beard Foundation Award-winning chefs Gary Danko, Traci Des Jardins, Emily Luchetti, and Craig Stoll, along with JBF America’s…

Celebrated cookbook author Niloufer Ichaporia-King, author of My Bombay Kitchen, returns to ~FOREIGN CINEMA~ for an exotic brunch on June 26th and 27th. The menu will be filled with flavors inspired by Niloufer’s tropical travels to the state of Veracruz, Mexico, India, and beyond; the recipes will be showcased…

Eater has details on CONTRABAND COFFEE BAR, opening in the former John Barleycorn space (sniff sniff) from Josh Magnani (formerly a barista at Mission Beach Cafe) and Ron Starr (a photographer). Details include: 30 seats,  a mid-July opening, a Hydra espresso machine, coffee blends from a small roaster in Oakland,…

There are a couple new-ish coffee projects in the East Bay. First is REMEDY, which is in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood. They serve Ritual coffee and Teance teas, along with treats (scones, galettes, granola, focaccia) from their in-house pastry chef. The eclectic décor includes an old Pacific Bell phone booth…

Even downtown Berkeley isn’t immune to the bottomless mimosa phenomenon: ~FIVE~ is the latest to offer that handy boozy feature, and there’s a new Sunday brunch menu from chef Banks White to boot. You can choose from classics like eggs Benedict or French toast, along with newer dishes,…

The year of beer continues to hold true, and here’s the latest newcomer to the scene: ~SOUTHERN PACIFIC BREWING~ will be opening in the Mission’s Media Gulch area, targeting November 1st. Partners behind the project are Anthony LaVia (Gestalt, Matador, Café La Onda) and Chris Lawrence, formerly the…

Over on Mint Plaza, ~THERMIDOR~ is now in its soft opening mode. The American vintage-inspired project is from Bruce Binn and Neil Jorgensen of Spork, and features a menu of classic American dishes with a modern spin. Once the full menu completely launches, you’ll be able to get the…

Due to (softly) swing open its saloon doors this Thursday, Dave Mur’s ~FONDUE COWBOY~ is going to serve up bubbling pots of cheesy goodness, like the spicy cheddar ($12) with 12-month aged cheddar, Emmenthaler, a beer base, oven-roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, roasted jalapeño, Tapatío, and cilantro oil. That is…