what’s cookin’
Meowza, the past week was such a whirlwind of events—it was great to see so many of you while I was out and about! Tuesday evening was a viewing party of the Rich Table documentary, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the opening of RT Bistro (you can watch it at the end of this OpenTable post). The party featured a generous cavalcade of bites and beverages, what a dream (I’m glad I walked there and back home that night, I had a feeling it would be a gluttonous good time).
Sunday evening’s reception for Foodwise’s Sunday Supper was another tempest of treats—thanks to all the chefs and bartenders who turned out such swell seasonal apps and creative cocktails. The patio was like a fun food world turbo mixer for 90 minutes. Thanks to Foodwise for everything they do for the community! (I’ll be posting pics from the event on @tablehopper shortly!)
And last Thursday, it was tablehopper’s 20th anniversary PrimeBird dinner, with 20 fabulous subscribers and their guests at our boisterous communal table—the conversations and laughs and Champagne Telmont were flowing all night. Take a look at some party pics here!
The Nightbird team really knocked it out of the park—I’m going to be dreaming about the caramelized pork belly party bite for a while, and I was so touched that their pastry chef, Agnes Hardenstine, made a surprise vanilla, almond, and strawberry anniversary cake for the dinner! Too lovely. Thank you for the incredibly generous hospitality for our group!
I asked Kim and Ron if they would be open to offering the PrimeBird experience for the holidays in their private dining room, and they said yes, so if you’re looking for a place to host your holiday party, there you go!
(It’s also worth mentioning that 15 Romolo is available for private events right now since their opening is likely pushed out another month or so—just email me if you need an intro.)
Next week, I’m going to be doing a fun giveaway for annual supporting subscribers of 10 invitations to a special anniversary event (it’s free). No, it’s not another tablehopper anniversary event (for the moment), but it is a celebration for another local business that’s turning 20! Save the date: Monday November 2nd, 5:30pm. I’ll reveal all the details next week!
Also happening that Monday night is a pop-up at The Anchovy Bar with chef Ryan Bartlow of Ernesto’s and Bartolo (one of the most beautiful and deeeelicious restaurants I visited on my recent trip to New York; read all about it here). The party is for the launch of Bartlow’s first cookbook, Essentially Basque: Bringing Spanish Cooking Home, co-authored with longtime Anthony Bourdain collaborator and food writer Laurie Woolever. Some of his dishes (pintxos, tortilla de patatas, piquillo rellenos, and quail escabeche) will be served alongside The Anchovy Bar’s nightly à la carte menu—I’m praying for the anchoa y mantequilla (it would make sense!). See you there?! (I’m even dining late, so Spanish, ha-ha!)
Now, on to some civic matters. Have you been looking at your general election ballot packet sitting on your desk or kitchen table for weeks? It’s time to break that envelope open: Election Day is coming on Tuesday November 3rd (that’s in two weeks)! Need some guidance? Thanks to Broke-Ass Stuart, I learned about the Open Ballot app that compares voter guides side by side. It’s really handy and non-partisan—you choose which guides you want to compare. You do you! I usually refer to the online voting guides from the SF Bay Guardian, Juanita MORE!, and the SF League of Pissed-Off Voters, while ignoring every single postcard clogging my mailbox this month. And then it’s time to return that ballot. VOTE early, vote now.
Do you have plans this Friday? A few months ago, I mentioned the inspiring Ask E. Jean documentary about my shero, E. Jean Carroll, and I thought you’d want to know there’s an online screening this Friday October 23rd, hosted by Rise Above Justice Movement. Don’t miss it.
OK, back to the food. Thanks to all of you who entered the SF Restaurant Week gift certificate giveaway last week, and now I hope you’ve been exploring the list of menus and deals from 200 SF restaurants, available through Sunday October 25th. I have some picks for you below.
We’re also in the final days of a fabulous ticket giveaway to the Sprouts Chef Training’s Annual Gala: Powerful Women in Food on Sunday November 1st. One lucky winner will land a pair of tickets to the gala celebrating the Bay Area’s most influential women in food, it’s going to be quite the night!
Cin cin! 🥂
~Marcia
the chatterbox
The Outer Sunset Will Be Smelling Good from Two New Businesses Opening Soon
The Instagram algorithm was doing its thing, and brought the upcoming Bare Bones (“A rotisserie joynt”) to my attention. This neighborhood- and family-friendly spot is opening in the Outer Sunset in the former Bearing West from business partners Dan Levin and Danny Tasker (who folks in the neighborhood will recognize as the bar manager from Sunset Cantina). Levin tells me they brought on chef Edwin Olsen, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry, from The Elite Cafe to Restaurant LuLu, and was a butcher at Real Foods Russian Hill—he has been fine-tuning their rotisserie chicken, as well their porchetta recipe. They’ll be keeping things simple (bare bones, baby!) while sourcing quality ingredients, and making most things themselves.
You’ll be able to order a half or whole chicken with side sauces (ranch, BBQ, aji verde), or roasted porchetta served over green apple and shaved fennel, or get either meat in a sandwich (an Acme sweet deli roll will be dipped in au jus, and filled with arugula, Parmesan, pickled red onion, tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and aji verde). If you don’t want meat, there’s a “not fish and chips” main (crispy beer-battered cauliflower with hand-cut fries and house tartar sauce).
There will be a couple side salads, like one with apple, shaved fennel, baby arugula, toasted pistachios, and dates tossed in a honey vinaigrette, and...
There will be a short list of local beers and wines by the glass, carafe, or bottle. The 49-seat space will keep the same footprint, but is currently being updated with a new and upbeat paint job. Hours will be Thu–Mon 4pm–9pm to start, and they’ll see if the neighborhood can support later hours on the weekend. If inspections go as hoped for, they’re targeting a soft opening on Thursday October 29th. I’ll keep you updated. [I also found this post in Mission Local.] 2325 Taraval St. at 33rd Ave.
Due to open this Friday October 23rd is Black Jet Luncheonette (I previously mentioned it’s opening in the former DamnFine Coffee space, which was once Trouble Coffee back in the day, where Black Jet Baking Co. would deliver pastries). Owner Gillian Shaw Lundgren and baker Max Newman will be bringing over Black Jet favorites (scones, pastries, cookies, and Redacted or Cease and Desist—their spin on a Pop-Tart), plus made-to-order sandwiches (including a meatball grinder, and a breakfast sandwich), and some toast as a salute to Trouble Coffee, which is where SF’s toast craze kicked off over a decade ago, thanks to Giulietta Carrelli. Also: there will be slices of pie. And cake! And Dear Francis coffee. You can try to find a spot to sit in the parklet out front; read additional details in this SF Chronicle piece. Hours will be 7am–3pm. 4033 Judah St. at 45th Ave.
Trattoria da Vittorio Passes the Torch to New Owners
I remember when Trattoria da Vittorio first opened in 2013 in West Portal from Vittorio D’Urzo, who originally launched with some Calabrese dishes on the menu (a salute to where he’s from), pasta, and Neapolitan pizzas. Over the years, the restaurant became a neighborhood and family favorite, and D’Urzo really leaned into wedding catering. But after a great run of 13 years, he decided to retire (he just had his party over the weekend), and a trio of new partners will keep the restaurant’s name and the pizza oven fire burning.
Both Matteo Avallone and Davide Tringali (Modí, Ciaorigato) worked front of house at the trattoria in its early years, and Avallone even met his now-wife there, so he said it would have been difficult to pass on the opportunity to take over. They have partnered with the talented chef Valerio Martorelli (A16, Bottega on Valencia), who will update the menu with old-style trattoria classics, like housemade pasta with Neapolitan ragù, and comforting pasta alla genovese. Martorelli is from Rome, Avallone is from Salerno, and Tringali is from Sicily, so the menu and wines (and accents) will span across Italy’s regions, but their warm Italian hospitality is something they all share.
For now, they have closed the restaurant for a quick refresh and paint job, and plan to reopen on Monday November 2nd, and they’re talking about hosting a grand opening...
150 West Portal Ave. at Vicente.
Changes, Comebacks, and Closures
After two and a half years in the Hotel Enso in Japantown, Naruephon “Billie” Wannajaro’s upscale (and Michelin-recognized) Thai and Issan restaurant, hed 11, will serve its final tasting menu dinner on Friday October 30th. On November 13th, a second location of the casual Hed Very Thai in FiDi (known for their Thai bento boxes) will open in the same spot. (Wannajaro has also been busy opening hed NYC in West Chelsea, Manhattan.) 1800 Sutter St. at Buchanan.
While I was at the Foodwise Sunday Supper reception, I was chatting with Reem Assil, who shared Reem’s California in the Mission had reopened for lunch last Friday after closing for repairs when a car hit their building back in July. Their hours this week are Wed–Thu and Sun 11am–3pm, and Fri–Sat until 8pm. Welcome back. 2901 Mission St. at 25th St.
Another comeback: per an email from the California Department of Public Health, Tomales Bay growing areas are open as of Sunday 10/18/26. To date, no Tomales Bay–related illnesses have been reported during the time window associated with the spill and closure. So, back to our oysters! 🦪
A reader let me know Uccello Lounge on Van Ness appears to have sadly closed; chef Loretta Keller and Clay Reynolds opened the project on the ground floor of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s new building, the Bowes Center, in April 2022. Since it was just across the street from Davies Symphony Hall, it was a favorite for a bite and drink before or after performances in the Civic Center area, and is already missed. I reached out to Reynolds, and will let you know if I hear back. 200 Van Ness Ave. at Hayes.
When I saw the announcement about the closing of Admiral Maltings and The Rake pub in Alameda, my heart sank for all the brewers and beer lovers out there; this SFGATE story goes into the details and impact of the unfortunate closures. 651A W. Tower Ave., Alameda.
Cawfee Tawk: Two New Cafés from SF Coffee OGs
sponsored event
Where to Dine for SF Restaurant Week
Thanks to all of you who entered the SF Restaurant Week giveaway (sponsored by the GGRA), and now, I hope you’ve been exploring the list checking out the 200 participating restaurants—SFRW runs through Sunday October 25th!
Restaurants throughout San Francisco are offering prix-fixe lunch, brunch, and dinner menus for takeout, delivery, indoor, and outdoor dining. Brunch or lunch (2+ courses): $15, $25, $35, $45; and dinner (3+ courses): $30, $45, $60, $75, $90.
A few new participants you can visit include Casa Sofia, Cinderella Cafe & Bakery (both locations), Grand Lake Kitchen Noe, JouJou, Lobby Bar, Parasol, and Pazzia.
I looked over a bunch of the menus, and here are some of my picks (everything is listed on this page)!
The $15 lunchtime menu at Cinderella is perfect inspiration to go visit their new location in the Mission.
There’s a reason we gave away a gift certificate to Pazzia: because their ethereal gnudi alla fiorentina are on their $60 SFRW dinner menu.
Besharam’s soulful dishes are always so captivating, and take a look at chef Heena’s five-course menu for $75!
The $60 dinner menu at Foreign Cinema is a celebration of peak late summer/early fall shoulder season ingredients, enjoy.
Celebrate Gumbo Social’s reopening with an abundant $15 lunch or their new dinner service for $30. (And pick up a gumbo from their new freezer to bring home.)
Go visit an old-school SF favorite: Blue Plate will really feed you with their $45 three-course dinner menu. Hello, Key lime pie!
My friend chef Rob Lam has his insane beef phở on Lily’s $45 dinner menu, do it.
Like to drink? Merkado is offering a three-course cocktail tasting menu with bites for $30, cool!
Support Old Skool Cafe’s community-minded mission with their $45 dinner menu.
Thank you for supporting our local restaurant industry this week!
the sugar mama
Giveaway Alert! Enter to Win a Pair of Tickets to the Sprouts Powerful Women in Food Gala!
On Sunday November 1st, the Bay Area’s most influential women in food will gather at The Aviary in the Yerba Buena district in San Francisco for Sprouts Chef Training’s Annual Gala: Powerful Women in Food. And you can enter to win a pair of tickets!
It’s going to be an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, brilliant chefs (like Nari’s Pim Techamuanvivit and chef Meghan Clark, Laura Ozyilmaz of Maria Isabel and Dalida, Gayle Pirie of Foreign Cinema, Nancy Oakes and Dana Younkin of Boulevard, Melissa Perello of Frances and Octavia, Pam Mazzola of Prospect, and more, plus hospitality leaders, sommeliers (including Shelley Lindgren and Debbie Zachareas), and community champions, with honorary guests Alice Waters of Chez Panisse and Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable. Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Liam Mayclem will lead the evening’s live auction and fundraising program. AND, the online auction just went live!
There’s a cocktail and bubbles and nibbles hour at 5pm, followed by a four-course dinner, live auction, and more. And the purpose goes well beyond the plate: proceeds support Sprouts’ work equipping youth facing economic hardship with culinary training, mentorship, and pathways to meaningful employment.
This week, we’re hosting a giveaway of one pair of tickets to the gala (worth $1300!) over on Instagram. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday October 22nd at 11am PT, so don’t delay!
Tickets start at $650, tables are available. (70% of ticket price is a tax-deductible donation.)
Sunday November 1st, 2026 (5pm–9:30pm)
The Aviary (at The Metreon), 135 4th St., San Francisco
Jobs change lives. Kitchens heal. It takes a village.
the matchmaker
Tommaso’s Is Hiring a Chef
Help shape Tommaso’s next chapter! A North Beach institution since 1935, Tommaso’s is a beloved Italian restaurant with deep roots, a loyal following, and the West Coast’s first wood-fired brick pizza oven. Our menu is grounded in original Italian recipes and timeless hospitality.
After 51 years under the Crotti family, San Francisco restaurateur Maureen “Mo” Donegan took over in 2024, and reopened the restaurant in January 2025. She’s now seeking a chef to carry Tommaso’s legacy forward, while bringing fresh energy and creativity to its next chapter.
The Opportunity
This hands-on leadership role is ideal for an experienced sous chef, kitchen lead, or senior line cook ready to take ownership of a kitchen, develop a menu, and lead a team. Working closely with Mo, you’ll create new dishes, develop seasonal specials, and build on Tommaso’s nearly century-old Italian tradition.
Responsibilities
- Create dishes, specials, and menu additions.
- Master and care for our 90-year-old wood-fired brick oven.
- Hire, train, mentor, and lead a collaborative kitchen team.
- Manage ordering, inventory, vendors, food costs, and waste.
- Maintain high standards from prep through service.
Qualifications
- Professional, hands-on cooking experience.
- Prior sous chef, kitchen lead, or senior line cook experience.
- Knowledge of pizza, pasta, Italian food, and scratch cooking.
- Creative, organized, collaborative leadership style.
- California Food Handler card and Food Manager certification required.
Compensation
$75,000–$80,000 + bonus potential
For confidential consideration, send your résumé to Chef@tommasos.com. Tommaso’s is an equal opportunity employer.
1042 Kearny St., San Francisco
