The Chatterbox

Plenty of openings this week: ~PINKIE'S BAKERY~, a wholesale operation from Cheryl Burr (formerly the pastry chef at EOS and bacar) as of yesterday has a new retail storefront, right next to Pizza Nostra at the base of Potrero Hill. On the menu: danishes, muffins, pecan sticky buns,…

Some details have finally been released about the ~CREDO~ project due to open in the Financial District at the end of December/beginning of the New Year. Owner Clint Reilly is opening what they're calling an urban trattoria in an old Chinese bank. The name comes from the…

Was interesting to learn that ~VERNON MORALES~, formerly of Winterland, is back in town (thanks Steven O. for the Twitter tip), and he's now the chef over at Town Hall. I know, not the first place you'd think this innovative and boundary-pushing chef would land, but…

Things just keep getting interesting over at ~AQUA~: now the Bacchus Management Group (Spruce, Village Pub) is taking it over completely. They ended up having the winning bid for the lease, and hope to retain the Aqua name as well. As for next steps, the restaurant will remain open until…

Yesterday was a red-letter day in San Francisco. Actually, a red book one, since the ~MICHELIN GUIDE~ released its San Francisco ratings. Congrats to one-star newcomers Aziza, Commis, and Luce, and up in wine country, étoile, Santé, Solbar, Terra, and Ubuntu. More on the local scene: Quince also got its…

A while back I mentioned Jeff Banker and Lori Baker were opening their restaurant in the (now former) Quince space. And since that mention, a few more details have emerged. First, the name is going to be ~BAKER AND BANKER~ (with last names like theirs, of course they had to…

I think this week is unofficial San Francisco Restaurant Opening Week. Can't believe how many places are opening their doors. Did someone say doors? Well then, let's start with the much awaited ~OUT THE DOOR~ in Pacific Heights. This latest location from Charles Phan opens for…

Some big news at ~JARDINIÈRE~: after 10 years at the restaurant, executive chef Craig Patzer is leaving (he reportedly wants to spend more time with his daughter). His last day will be Saturday. Taking his place is Morgan Mueller of bacar, who has been working at the restaurant since last…

~THE CARNELIAN ROOM~, the old-school restaurant known for its mega views (and Grand Marnier soufflés) at the top of the Bank of America building will be closing after almost 40 years in business. From what I heard, the restaurant is serving its last Caesar salad on December 31st, 2009 (it&…