The Chatterbox

Just a fun little tidbit I caught in the ABC wires—it looks like the BVHospitality gents (Trick Dog’s Josh Harris and Morgan Schick) potentially have a new project brewing in the former Urchin Bistrot space, previously Wo Hing and the original Slanted Door on Valencia. I reached out…

Now open in Berkeley as of last Friday July 28th is the first West Coast location of IPPUDO, the famed international ramen shop. Ippudo has a couple locations in New York, with 160 restaurants worldwide, and partnered with Panda Restaurant Group Partners to open this location (SF is next!). Ippudo…

Coming to the Marina is ROMA ANTICA, an authentic and casual Italian restaurant that will be focused on serving Roman pasta (handmade) and pinsa, making it the second location in the city to serve this ancient Roman style of pizza. (Montesacro was the first to bring it to the U.…

The Absinthe Group’s Boxing Room has completed its transformation into BARCINO, officially opening in Hayes Valley tonight. Absinthe Group executive chef Ryan McIlwraith (Bellota) and chef de cuisine Athman El-Kindiy are behind the Barcelona-inspired concept, which is focused on Catalonian tapas with some creative and local/seasonal flair. (The…

Coming to Hayes Valley in the former Artís Coffee (which just closed over the weekend) will be another location of ~WISE SONS DELI~. Hoodline reports Wise Sons will be retaining most of the staff. No word on timing (yet) or what will be on the menu. Although we can only…

No, this isn’t a joke, a prank, nor is it April 1st. Clear the cobwebs and mop away the dust, because the long-closed (we’re talking 15 YEARS, people) Patio space in the Castro will finally reopen, and HAMBURGER MARY’S has been approved to open in that location…

A couple of unfortunate closures to report, starting with longtimer BOCADILLOS. After 13 years of business, Gerald and Cameron Hirigoyen closed down the North Beach business over the weekend. [Via Scoop.] 710 Montgomery St. at Jackson. Another closure will be ~MASON PACIFIC~ at the end of the month. There was…

While I was sad with the news that ~CALA~ is no longer serving brunch (damn, it was so good), Tacos Cala is now open in the back every day from 11am-2pm, and on Sundays, four La Cocina entrepreneurs will pop up serving tacos. Mixiote is up first, from Alma Rodriguez.…

There are so many more places to caffeinate, you ready? I noticed SAINT FRANK COFFEE was posting about their new café and roastery in SoMa, which is now open. Come by the former De La Paz location on Mission and you’ll find an airy and clean look, complete with…

Newly open in Uptown Oakland is the izakaya-inspired SHINMAI, with a variety of small plates, raw bar selections, and ramen. Owner Yingji Huang (of Montclair’s Kakui) brought on executive chef Jerrod Doss (previously Aziza, Chez TJ, The French Laundry) and co-owner Andy Liu, a former sushi chef at Kakui…