This week's tablehopper: desert communique.
Coconut pudding with spiced pineapple at Hakkasan. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
Hola amigos.
As promised, here’s round two of my massive news catch-up for you. (I didn’t want to totally overwhelm you on Tuesday—that column was getting out of control.) As for me, well, I am currently rocking out at Coachella, and very far away from my desk, so excuse the short intro!
A couple things I do want to point you to: I did a list of my top 10 places for pasta in the city for 7x7.com—yeah, carb lovers unite. And I also wrote my monthly list of five new restaurants and places to try this month! Check it.
Oh, and here’s a bonus: Tuesday’s sponsor (The Golden Glass event) is going to be giving away a pair of tickets to the event to one lucky tablehopper reader. Follow me on Twitter and like tablehopper on Facebook for details on how to enter to win next week!
I’ll catch up with you next Friday the 26th once I’m back. Have a fab and sunny weekend—and I promise to wear my sunscreen! Looks like you’ll need to do the same.
the chatterbox
Gossip & News (the word on the street)
MKT Bar and Restaurant Coming to the Four Seasons in June
Scrambled egg with uni and chive from MKT. Photo courtesy MKT.
The Four Seasons is getting a new bar and restaurant this in June: MKT BAR AND RESTAURANT. As mentioned in the Scoop, the new spot will feature an updated interior, expanded bar program, and a new menu. Chris Aguirre will serve as the restaurant’s chef, under the direction of Mark Richardson, and the menu will include steaks and small plates to share. The focus of the new space will be on the large, L-shaped bar, with a collection of specialty cocktails including the Back to the Bank Exchange, with pisco, pineapple juice, gum syrup, lime, and Hum liqueur served in a retro punch bowl. As the opening gets closer, we’ll share more details. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, Fifth Floor, 757 Market St. at Grant.
Coming Soon to the Mission
Some of the many gorgeous knives at Bernal Cutlery. Photo from Facebook.
A quick update on upcoming projects in the Mission: first, Scoop reports on URBAN PUTT, an urban golf course, 70-seat restaurant, and bar (with cocktails by the Bon Vivants) in the former Driscoll’s Mortuary space. Former PC World editor Steve Fox is behind the project, with architect Matt Hollis (who did Mission Bowling Club). Look for an opening in late 2013 or early 2014. 1096 South Van Ness at 22nd St.
Bernalwood mentions that BERNAL CUTLERY is leaving its 331 Cortland space to open up in the former Pot + Pantry space. The opening is planned for next month. 593 Guerrero St. at 18th St.
Just at the border of Mission and Bernal will be TIERRA MIA COFFEE, moving into the former Way Out Cafe. Scoop mentions owner Ulysses Romero is bringing the concept from Southern California, serving Latin-inspired coffee drinks. The opening should happen within a couple of months. 3188 Mission St. at Valencia.
Tidbits: New Hours at Rich Table, Reservations at Outerlands, More
Communal table at Rich Table. Photo by Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.
Fans of RICH TABLE will be happy to know the restaurant will be open seven nights a week starting June 1st.
Note that BAKER & BANKER will not be open for brunch on Sundays for a while. Owners, chefs, and husband-and-wife team Lori Baker and Jeff Banker are expecting their second child in May, so they’re taking a break from Sunday brunch. The bakery will remain open on Sundays, and the restaurant will still serve Sunday dinner. Look out for special pop-up brunches on special days like Father’s Day too.
Starting April 23rd, OUTERLANDS will start to take dinner reservations! You can thank Eater for the catch.
Joseph Manzare tells the Scoop he is closing GLOBE for a remodel over the next month, but will still be open (in a limited capacity) on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm-1am (the rotisserie and grill will be in operation). 290 Pacific Ave. at Battery, 415-391-4132.
It also looks like DINO’S on Fillmore got a new face-lift according to this post in the New Fillmore. The inside has been streamlined and updated with dark granite and leather banquettes, and Dino has added his son’s name, Santino, to the sign. The menu remains largely unchanged, with the addition of a few Greek appetizer and dessert specialties. 2102 Fillmore St. at California, 415-922-4700.
Get Your Glaze On
A combo plate at Glaze. Photo from Facebook.
As previously reported on tablehopper, the former Johnny Rockets space on Fillmore is turning into GLAZE TERIYAKI. This is the first San Francisco location of the New York import, whose owners are from Seattle, and bill their offerings as “Seattle style.” They offer lots of appetizers, combo dishes, and salads, all with their charcoal-grilled meats (and vegetarian options like tofu and vegetables). You can check out the full range of menu choices here. Bonus: they are partnering with Devil’s Teeth Baking Company in the Outer Sunset on desserts. Glaze is opening for business on Thursday April 25th, and they’ll be open daily 11:30am-10:30pm. 1946 Fillmore St. at Pine, 415-590-2199.
Special Dinners: Marlowe, SF Chefs Spring Dinner Party Project
The dining room (and mignardises cart) at Acquerello. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
Looking for a good spot for Sunday Supper? Head to MARLOWE to try out their new Sunday dinner service. In addition to the regular dinner menu, they’ll also be trying out some new dishes on Sundays. Chef Jennifer Puccio and owner Anna Weinberg are working on some projects, the S+R Lounge and Cavalier, and are using Sunday nights as a chance to test some new dishes and menus.
Ready for some SF Chefs action? They’ve announced the Spring Dinner Party Project lineup, and it’s looking good. First up, on Monday April 22nd, is a dinner with Acquerello chefs Suzette Gresham and Mark Pensa. They’ll be joined by Adam Tortosa, who will be the chef at Acquerello’s new project, 1760, so this should be a great way to check out some of the new things the team’s been working on. Then, on Sunday April 28th, head up to St. Helena for a lamb butchery demo and alfresco dinner. Wrapping things up is a pizza, pasta, and pastry party at Una Pizza Napoletana with Anthony Mangieri plus Michele Belotti and Gary Rulli of Ristobar on Monday May 20th. Tickets start at $120; more details and tickets can be found here, and don’t forget that Visa Signature cardholders get a nice discount. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Blessing in a Backpack, an organization that helps feed underserved elementary school children.
Marlowe - 500 Brannan St. San Francisco - 415-777-1413
Picnic at the Presidio Returns
Lawn games and food trucks at Picnic at the Presidio. Photo from Facebook.
OFF THE GRID is bringing the Picnic at the Presidio back after a winter hiatus. The picnic, which focuses on offerings from established restaurants, takes place every Sunday from 11am-4pm on the Main Post lawn. You’ll find vendors like Nopalito, Wexler’s, Del Popolo, and Namu, plus “blanket-side” cocktail service. This year they’ll also have a retail market set up, hawking picnic-friendly wares ranging from flowers by Thomas Flowers to pastries from Marla Bakery. You can also rent or purchase outdoor game supplies, like frisbees, bocce ball, and, of course, extra sweaters in the event of fog (that darn Karl!). The picnic starts back up Sunday April 21st and continues until October. Main Post Lawn, The Presidio.
Pop-Ups and a Crawl for Your Radar
Red curry chicken XLB at American Bao Bar. Photo by Tomomi Tsukioka.
Dishcrawl leaves its mark. Photo from Facebook.
American Bao Bar is now popping up on Fridays and Saturdays at LOT 7 in the Mission (except on May 11th!). The menu is focused on the street foods of Taipei and Singapore, with a bit of California flair—just wait until you try the red curry/chicken coconut “XLB”-style soup dumpling, ohmagerd. The dinners have been selling out, so curious diners are encouraged to reserve a spot anytime between 7pm-10pm by emailing here (although you can walk in if you decide you wanna check it out last minute). Everything is served in a family-style prix-fixe menu format, and at $37 a head, it’s quite a spread. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to get updates on the latest news. 974 Valencia St. at 20th St.
Over in Hayes Valley, the newly open NOIR is now hosting a lunchtime sandwich pop-up during the week called THE LUNCHPAD. You can take a look at the sandwiches here, which range from an Italian beef to the A-Bomb (roasted turkey with habanero candied bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a smoked pepper aioli); look for soups and salads soon. They are open five days a week (this week was their soft opening, but they’ll be open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm starting Monday April 22nd); they will additionally start serving breakfast in the next couple of weeks. You can keep track of ‘em on Twitter. 581 Hayes St. at Laguna.
On Tuesday May 7th, check out the ever-exciting food scene in Temescal with an Oakland Dishcrawl. The crawl begins at 7pm, costs $45 per person, and includes stops at four different Temescal restaurants. The specific spots are a secret until the crawl begins, and you’ll be notified of the meeting spot 48 hours beforehand.
Aw, Shucks: Oyster Bash at B Restaurant
The huge raw bar at Oyster Bash 2012. Photo from Facebook.
Enjoy some unlimited oysters on Saturday April 27th at B RESTAURANT. They’re throwing their second annual Oyster Bash, with oysters galore. You’ll find the bivalves raw on the half shell, passed around as shooters, fried into po’boy sliders, and steamed. There’s also an oyster shucking contest, truffle fries, and plenty of beer. Tickets are $45 in advance and $65 at the door (if available). 720 Howard St. at 3rd St., 415-495-9800.
Author Events to Start Spring Fresh: Mark Bittman, Janet Fletcher, Fabio Viviani
Mark Bittman, the hilarious and deadpan New York Times columnist and author of the new cookbook Vb6:Eat Vegan Before 6:00pm to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health will be in town on Tuesday May 7th. He’ll be at Book Passage at 12:30pm, signing books and discussing his methods for delicious vegan dishes. Then, in the evening, catch him at The Commonwealth Club in conversation with Joey Altman. The talk begins at 6pm, and tickets start at $15 for Commonwealth Club members, $25 general admission. Fairmont Hotel Gold Room, 950 Mason St. at California.
For a break from all things vegan and healthy, try this one: on Saturday April 20th (that’s tomorrow), Janet Fletcher will be at the Pasta Shop Rockridge, talking about her new and fabulous book, Cheese & Beer. Mmmm, cheese. Mmmm, beer. The event will run from 1pm-4pm, and books will be available for purchase. 5655 College Ave. at Shafter, Oakland, 510-250-6005.
Fabio Viviani of Top Chef infamy will be in town Friday May 3rd-Saturday May 4th, promoting his new cookbook, Fabio’s Italian Kitchen. On Friday, catch him at Book Passage in the Ferry Building at 6pm. Then, on Saturday, he’ll be at OMNIVORE BOOKS at 3pm.
Omnivore Books - 3885a Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco - 415-282-4712
Guest Chefs: George Morrone at Limone, Scott Howard in Tiburon
The patio at Limone. Photo from Limone.
Make your way to LIMONE in San Carlos on Thursday April 25th for a special dinner with guest chef George Morrone, whose food can be hard to hunt down. You won’t want to miss this one, with menu choices like a Delta asparagus gratin and a grilled quail salad. The dinner costs $65. You can check out the full menu here, and make your reservations by calling the restaurant. 617 Laurel St. at San Carlos, San Carlos, 650-486-1479.
On Friday April 26th, head to Marin for a special dinner with guest chef Scott Howard at MAIN STREET WINE BAR in Tiburon. The dinner include five courses and wine pairings (yes, his carrot soup will be there!), plus a bubbly and passed appetizer reception to start. Check out the menu and make reservations here. The reception begins at 7pm, and seats are $100 per person, and include tax, gratuity, and beverages. 84 Main St. at Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon, 415-889-8998.
the sponsor
This Round Is On Me... (hey, thanks!)
(Sponsored): Dancing with the Somms: Dance the Night Away and Sip Luxe Tastes at Wine Luxury Soirée Friday April 26th
Okay, so our Master Sommeliers won’t be competing in a costumed dance-off per se (wink), but we have heard Peter Granoff can cut quite a rug. Come out Friday April 26th for Wine Luxury’s Soirée, a festive evening of exquisite tastes (30-plus vintners), fashions from a cadre of promising designers, cigar service, luxe hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth, lifestyle auction for Share Our Strength & ACCESS, live entertainment and…yes, dancing. Sip pours from Blackbird, Chappellet, Couloir, Crocker & Starr, Date Night, Failla, Rich Aurilia’s Red Stitch, Ridge, Skipstone, and more. Roederer bubbles, caviar, and Point Reyes farmstead cheese can be had in the WLX Luxury Lounge.
And while masks aren’t a must, festive cocktail attire is encouraged! After all, you never know who you’ll meet on the dance floor.
Tickets to the event start at $95 per person, and VIP packages go up from there.
Event Info: Friday April 26th, 2013 6pm-10pm Tickets start at $95 City Club of San Francisco 155 Sansome Street, San Francisco
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wineluxuryUS Twitter: www.twitter.com/wineluxury
the lush
Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)
Think Pink at Rosé by the Bay on April 23rd
Chef Rob Lam with happy rosé tasters at a previous tasting. Photo from Facebook.
Get ready for summertime (or anytime, really) with the Rosé Consortia’s celebration of pink wines, ROSÉ BY THE BAY. The event, which takes place Tuesday April 23rd at Butterfly restaurant, includes more than 40 sparkling and still rosés, plus tastes from Butterfly chef Rob Lam. The event runs from 6:30pm-9pm, 3pm-6pm for credentialed trade and press. Advance tickets are $45, $55 at the door if available. Pier 33 at Bay St.
Tuesday Apr 23, 2013 3pm-6pm for media and trade, 6:30pm-9pm for general public $45 in advance, $55 at the door if available more info
Strap on the Monster Heels: New Nightlife
If you’re looking for an expensive, exclusive nightclub hospitality experience on the Embarcadero, you’re in luck. RÊVE LUXURY NIGHTLIFE is opening in late summer 2013. Richard Chu, a nightlife veteran of (where else?) Las Vegas, has paired up with Cy Waits to “revive” San Francisco’s nightlife scene. Apparently, a 6,000-square-foot invitation-only nightclub is just the thing we need. Hmmm. They’ll offer caviar service, large-format Champagne bottles, including (oh, thank goodness) a 30-liter Melchizedek of bubs for $125,000. It’ll be open (by invitation only) Thu-Sat, and all other nights will be for private and corporate buyouts. 134 Embarcadero at Mission.
In SoMa, keep your eyes open for LUX, which Grub Street reports is moving into the former Club Six space. Liquor license activity reveals the new project comes from Duc Luu, who runs Horizon Ultra Lounge in North Beach and Level7Group party promotion company. I have a feeling the ultra lounge format isn’t leaving our scene just yet. 60 6th St. at Jessie.
the socialite
Shindigs, Feasts, & Festivals (let's party)
Taste of Potrero Brings Big Flavor May 9th
Event Info
Thursday May 9, 2013 7pm–12am $100 general admission, $200 VIP SOMArts Gallery 934 Brannan St. at 8th St.
Want to check out a bunch of serious San Francisco chefs in one place, and help out a local public school? Look no further than the TASTE OF POTRERO event on Thursday May 9th, which features tons of food from great local restaurants and is a benefit for Daniel Webster Elementary, a public school in Potrero Hill.
There are two different ticketing levels: the VIP level includes tastes from State Bird Provisions and Trick Dog, while the general admission level includes Wise Sons, Roli Roti, and Hi Lo BBQ. Beretta will be slinging cocktails too. For a full list of participating restaurants and bars, check out the lineup here. Tickets are $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP admission. The event runs from 7pm-12am (VIPs can enter at 6pm). SOMArts Gallery, 934 Brannan St. at 8th St.
the starlet
Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)
I Want a New Quesadilla
Huey Lewis ate at Copita Wednesday night. Seems he’s a big fan of the joint!
Tony and the Ripper
Eric Ripert and Anthony Bourdain were spotted having drinks and cheese at Dio Deka in Los Gatos last Friday before going to San Jose as part of their “Good vs. Evil” tour. Eric was apparently seen waiting on a bench outside for a ride when he was invited in to have a drink.
