what’s cookin’
Hi, here I am! It’s funny, the sunny weather decided I should play hooky again and head to the beach on a Monday. After working all weekend, I was not going to put up one ounce of resistance to the rare 80-degree forecast. (After living here 31 years, I have learned: smoke ’em if you got ’em.) Although, plot twist: it was such a bummer to find the gate locked and closed to the road to my favorite beach in the Marin Headlands—no thanks to our government shutdown. WTF. I drove onward to Rodeo Beach, which is a bit sketchy to swim in and was really breezy, but sun on my body is sun on my soul.
The same can be said for the effect the Despacio sound system had on my being a couple weeks ago—it really shifted my headspace in my current shituation (and during our world’s bleak-ass times) and unexpectedly dialed up my joy to 11. I had a much-needed reset on a cellular and cosmic level, and it’s still vibing. So, in the ultimate YOLO move and in the spirit of ROCKTOBER, your tablehopper cashed in her airline miles and I’m going to follow the music and my heart to the III Points music festival in Miami next week, where I’ll be able to experience the pure magic that is Despacio yet again, and get lost in music. If I’m going to be able to keep pumping out the positivity and optimism over here, I need to fill up my tank first, and I could really use a top-off right about now.
I tried to get my sis and a couple friends to come with, but I’m flying solo on this journey. However, I won’t be alone—I’m so fortunate to be meeting up with my new dance floor friend Vlad and his crew, who are total diehard Despacio heads (and will be celebrating Vlad’s 50th birthday all week!). It ends up he’s a moderator for the r/despacio reddit, and is behind this absolutely bonkers spreadsheet that attempts to ID all of the songs that James Murphy and 2ManyDJs played all weekend at Despacio at Portola. WHUT. (I also want to do a shoutout to the human who assembled this impressive Spotify playlist.) I just love all these fellow obsessives—I feel so seen. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the music and listening to past Despacio sets. I can’t wait to experience that dance floor again. A dream! Despacio is happiness.
I just booked my accommodations in Midtown since I’ll be spending most of my time in Wynwood. If you have any recos, neighborhood faves, friends, hookups, tips, whatever, I will be so grateful! I won’t have much time for restaurant hopping, but medianoches and cafecitos, siempre. I’m flying out next Thursday the 16th, so feel free to send anything along (and you’ll get one more hopper issue before I leave). I can’t believe James Murphy is DJing at Jolene the night I arrive, buckle up! Gonna dance myself clean all weekend.
But first, on my home turf, I’m looking forward to dining at ama by Brad Kilgore this week, as well as the upcoming and upscale Wolfsbane in the former Serpentine in Dogpatch from Carrie and Rupert Blease of Lord Stanley and Tommy Halvorson of The Fire Society—reservations are open and I see some tables available starting on the grand opening on October 15th. (I’ll be writing about Wolfsbane in detail in next week’s newsletter!)
Last week, your hopper was a guest on the weekly Roll Over Easy radio show on BFF.fm. I loved seeing the guys in action with their mobile and live recording setup—we plunked down in the new location of Bob’s Donuts on Polk to have a lively chat about SF restaurants over maple-bacon donuts and coffee (they asked me where I would go for brunch if I knew there wouldn’t be a wait, and, of course, I had to plug two of my favorite places), with a bunch more food chatter. Here are the links to the show (the interview starts in the second half): Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on BFF.com. Thanks to Sequoia and The Early Bird for having me on, and for telling optimistic stories of our dear SF every week (tune in on Thursdays from 7:30am– 9:30am)!
Another thanks goes to 48 Hills and Public Works’ brand strategist (and longtime tablehopper reader and supporter and friend) Jason Bennett of True Star Consulting for the cute shoutout in this article about PW’s 15th anniversary last week and cool club subscription plan.
Last Thursday, I had such a blast at the Tenderloin SF First Thursday Art Walk—it’s totally becoming my favorite monthly event, you should mark your calendar for November 6th right now. I also went to a groovy one-night show of Raymond Graber’s dreamy light sculptures, which would look so chic in a restaurant.
MORE ART! Don’t forget that ArtSpan’s annual Open Studios is running through October 19th, and there are some special events this week, including an Art Tasting tonight!
Coming up from October 16th–19th is the 43rd edition of the San Francisco Fall Show at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion (the opening night gala is on the 15th). This year’s theme is Paradise Found: “an invitation to luxuriate in the splendor of art, antiques and design — from the exotic to the tropical, from the vibrantly colorful to the verdant jungles of wild beauty.” Over 40 dealers from around the world will be displaying and selling a range of fine and decorative arts, representing all styles and periods, from paintings to photographs to precious metals. It’s always a banquet of things to admire, plus there are book signings and lectures (keep your eyes peeled for cutie Zac Posen).
Lastly, our chanteuse Veronica Klaus is returning to SF this weekend and performing two shows at Martuni’s on Sunday at 4pm and 7pm. There are just a few seats left, DM her for details! I can’t wait to hear her new material over a fishbowl–sized Martini.
I’m doing a sponsored ticket giveaway in today’s column to MasterChef All-Stars Live! at the Curran Theatre on Sunday October 26th PLUS the opportunity to be a sous chef onstage during the show (!). Tell your aspiring TV chef friends. Check it out in the sugar mama below!
Next Monday, I’m driving up to Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville to be a judge for the annual Perfect Your Pizza contest, which is always a blast. Last year’s Sicilian-style caponata pizza from Ricky Caker is gonna be tough to beat—that pizza and rosé pairing were bonkers (click the link for the recipe, and you can see the finalists’ tasty pizzas and recipes, too!). Since I’ll be OOO most of the day, my column may go out late again next week, but I can’t blame it on sunny weather (because WTF is up with the rain next week?).
Enjoy Rocktober! 🤘
~Marcia
the chatterbox
A Look at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak SF (and What’s on the Menu), Opening Friday with Steph Curry’s The Eighth Rule
A couple weeks ago, tablehopper supporting subscribers got the news that Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak San Francisco and The Eighth Rule (Steph Curry’s bourbon-centric cocktail bar) are opening inside the Westin St. Francis this Friday October 10th, and now there are some pics and more menu items to share with you. In addition to Mina’s classics (tuna tartare, lobster pot pie), some new dishes include persimmon “ravioli” with stracciatella, basil, pistachio, and pomegranate-yuzu vinaigrette; a truffle Caesar with garlic streusel and Vacche Rosse Parmigiano; whole Dungeness crab with fregola risotto, crab fat, and uni butter; veal scaloppine with fettuccine, chanterelles, artichokes, and tomato raisins; and salt-baked sea bream with lemon-caper vinaigrette.
Steaks are butter-poached and wood-grilled, with classic cuts like filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, and New York strip, plus A5 Wagyu striploin from Miyazaki Prefecture, and wagyu rib cap from Snake River Farms, all with various sauce accompaniments. Expect plenty of tableside presentations and theatrics, like the 36-oz., hay-smoked and bourbon-flamed Australian wagyu tomahawk (er, it’s time to rename that), with fondant potatoes and chimichurri. And for folks who want the full show, there are two reservations available every evening for a six-person, large-format, communal dining experience.
The glam, 120-seat restaurant was designed by AvroKO, who took inspiration from early 20th century hotel interiors, bringing tropical design touches like curving green velvet and leather banquettes, 17-foot king palms (not the rolling papers), botanical chandeliers, and abstract tiger-print accent pillows, while adding classic elements like walnut millwork, parquet, and custom marble flooring, as well as a stained-glass feature wall by Bay Area artist Theodore Ellison. There is a private dining room with a retractable wall for flexible configurations (it can seat parties of 24–48).
At the brass-adorned Bourbon Lounge in the dining room—beneath the original hotel’s molded ceilings and green marble columns that date back to 1904—you can order cocktails from director of beverage Anthony Attanasio, like a clarified tequila milk punch with French herb foam.
As for The Eighth Rule, Attanasio has designed a six-course cocktail tasting that showcases Curry’s Gentleman's Cut bourbon in a seasonal highball, a clarified coconut milk punch, a truffle-vanilla whiskey sour, and three half-size, barrel-aged cocktails. Look on the backbar for rare, allocated, and legacy whiskies. À la carte cocktails are not just bourbon-focused, and include a honeydew-thyme gin sour, and a Calabrian chile and red fruit tequila highball.
Bourbon Steak San Francisco is open for dinner Mon–Thu and Sun 5pm–9pm, and Fri–Sat 5pm–10pm. Reservations: SevenRooms. The Eighth Rule is by reservation only and open Mon–Sun 4pm–12am. Reservations will be available soon. Note the new entrance is 335 Powell St.
New Openings: Palmer’s Tavern on Fillmore, and Mashaallah Halal in the Former Mathilde
Last week, tablehopper broke the news that Palmer’s Tavern was reopening after two years with a new chef (Matt Woods) and his new menu, plus brunch service, and upgraded cocktails from returning bartender Doug Bryson (happy hour is daily 3pm–6pm). They have confirmed that this week is their soft opening, and the grand opening is next week (the week of October 13th). The hours have also been released: Mon–Thu 3pm–late, Fri–Sun 12pm–late, brunch is Sat–Sun 11am–3pm, and the kitchen closes at 9pm daily. It’s time for steak au poivre. 2298 Fillmore St. at Clay.
Early this week, I spotted a Reel from Mashaallah Halal Pakistani Food cutting the ribbon and opening the doors to their new location in Yerba Buena/SoMa, which was most recently Mathilde French Bistro (and for my fellow old-timers, previously Le Charm Bistro)...
Coming Soon: A Fourth Location of Arsicault Bakery and a Taker for the Former Brixton
Some quick notes on upcoming projects: last week, news came out that Arsicault Bakery is opening yet another location, the fourth, this time in SoMa and super-close to the Embarcadero. I reached out to owner Armando Lacayo about when his sublime flaky croissants will be available, but there’s no word at this time. 88 Spear St. at Mission. [Via SF Standard]
Prolific Peruvian restaurateur and chef Carlos Altamirano (Mochica, Altamirano, La Costanera) and his wife and business partner, Shu Dai, are opening a project in the former Brixton near the ballpark. They’re currently busy redesigning the space and will reveal the concept soon—they’re reportedly targeting a spring 2026 opening. 725 2nd St. at Townsend. [Via SF Business Times]
Ciccino in Nob Hill Sadly Says ‘Ci Vediamo’ While Bette’s Parm Says ‘Bye for Now’
Let’s Do Lunch: New Business Lunch Deals and Leisurely Lunch Options
While business lunches were quite scarce after the pandemic, now you have some excellent options, starting with Perbacco’s two-course prix-fixe lunch for $35, available Tuesday through Friday.
If you’re looking for something on the other side of town, and you’re not really in a rush, the modern French bistro Caché in the Inner Sunset has a new weekday prix-fixe lunch: 3 courses for $30 (available Mon, Thu, and Fri). Choose from: salmorejo (Spanish tomato soup with cucumber and olive oil) or tuna rillette with cumin and toast; pork tenderloin with black pepper sauce and sautéed potato, or Petrale sole with seaweed butter and sautéed potato; and for dessert, local strawberry with Chantilly cream or an affogato with vanilla ice cream. (They have also updated their brunch and dinner menus with new dishes, FYI.) 1235 9th Ave.
New Service: Indian Brunch at Curry Up Now Valencia
If you miss the fab Indian brunch that was at Indian Paradox (sniff sniff), you can now tuck into a tasty weekend brunch at Curry Up Now on Valencia...
Upcoming Events Include a Salt Tasting Series, The Anchovy Bar’s Garden Party, and Indian Restaurant Week
Think salt is just salt? Think again. A Dash Of joins forces with Prospect, Oxide Collective, and BluDot this fall for four explorative salt tastings that’ll change how you season everything. Each event dives into the textures, origins, and surprising versatility of salts from around the world. There’s a smoke and umami session (Friday Oct. 10th at 5:30pm at Prospect); a white-gray-black color journey with take-home Erin Hupp plates (Tuesday Oct. 14th at 3pm at the gallery pop-up); herbs and holiday prep (Friday Nov. 14th at 5:30pm at Prospect); and a salt and butter pairing finale at BluDot showroom (Sunday Dec. 7 at 2pm) to elevate your holiday table. Each tasting includes artisan salts with bread, butter, seasonal produce, and a tasting booklet. Locations: Prospect Restaurant, Oxide Collective, BluDot Showroom. Details and tickets here.
This Sunday October 12th is The Anchovy Bar’s five-year anniversary, and they’re celebrating with a Garden Party! There will be flavor-packed bites (did someone say abundant raw bar?), flatbreads by chef Stuart Brioza (including anchovy and bottarga flatbreads), an anchovy tasting from Patagonia Provisions, and wines from Jolie-Laide. There are two different sessions (afternoon: 2:30pm–5pm, or evening: 5:30pm–8pm), $125 per ticket includes unlimited hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets.
Happening now through October 12th is the first-ever Indian Restaurant Week featuring TIYA, New Delhi Restaurant, Bombay Brasserie, Amber, Rooh and Copra. Each restaurant is featuring special tasting menus inspired by Diwali and other traditions across India, take a look!
the sugar mama
Enter to Win Tickets (and Be a Sous Chef on Stage!) for Your Favorite Chefs from the MasterChef Kitchen Live in SF
Get ready, food lovers! MasterChef All-Stars Live! is hitting the road, bringing your favorite chefs straight from the MasterChef kitchen to San Francisco on Sunday October 26th at 7pm at the Curran Theatre.
Join Season 15 finalists, The Fiery Cooks Rachel and Julio; Season 14 winner Michael Leonard; and Season 9 winner Gerron Huntin in this brand-new, high-energy stage show that delivers the ultimate MasterChef experience—LIVE up close and personal! Witness epic head-to-head battles, thrilling challenges, and jaw-dropping culinary creations right before your eyes.
Plus, hear from your favorite all stars on what it’s like to cook in America’s famous kitchen and toughest judges, plus tips and tricks to take to your own home kitchen. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime night of food, fun, and fierce competition! Secure your tickets now (VIP is sold out!) and get ready to go on a MasterChef culinary journey through the senses and experience the excitement!
tablehopper is giving away a pair of tickets to MasterChef All-Stars Live! at the Curran Theatre on Sunday October 26th at 7pm PLUS the opportunity to be a sous chef ON STAGE during the show!
the socialite
Abacá Is Going Full-Throttle for Filipino American History Month with Four Special Culinary Events
This October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM), and chef Francis Ang and his wife Dian of local gem Abacá are hosting an inaugural series of events (with partner OpenTable) all month long that will highlight Filipino heritage with an amazing lineup of talent coming through!
They kick things off on Saturday October 18th with an Abacá Brunch + Pinoy Marketplace, with guest chefs Monique Feybesse (Tartes de Feybesse, Oakland), Jade Cunningham (Carabao, Napa), and Andre Casper (Roline’s, Napa), followed by a Filipino maker marketplace in the Kimpton Alton Hotel. Proceeds benefit the Filipino Food Movement. 10am–1:30pm, staggered seating, $65, reserve here.
On Monday October 20th, is Abacá x FAHM Pulutan Night, featuring Filipino small bites and cocktails. Guests will move throughout the space to enjoy interactive dishes from Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo (Señor Sisig, SF), Ej Macayan (Ox & Tiger, SF), Lordfer Lalicon (Kaya, Orlando), and Carlo Lamagna (Magna Kusina, Portland), alongside chef Francis Ang. Cocktails will be crafted by Kevin Diedrich (PCH/Kona’s) and Spencer Vios (Abacá). Proceeds benefit SOMA Pilipinas. 6pm–9:30pm, $85 (includes one welcome drink and unlimited bites), reserve here.
It wouldn’t be a Filipino celebration without a FAHM Kamayan Feast, which will be happening Wednesday October 22nd. This communal dinner will be prepared by five chefs, served family-style atop banana leaves (guests will eat with their hands): Melissa Miranda (Musang/Kilig, Seattle), Harold Villarosa (The Peach, Oakland), Melvin (Mano, Chicago), Deanna Sison (Mestiza, SF), and chef Francis Ang. Cocktails are from Christopher Longoria (Copra/West Bev/Eylan) and Spencer Vios (Abacá). Proceeds benefit Bayanihan Equity Center. Seatings: 6pm and 8:30pm, $125, reserve here.
They wrap up the month with Abacá x FAHM Paubaya on Friday October 24th. A four-course tasting menu will be themed around paubaya (“to entrust”) by Paolo Dunca (Kayu, Washington DC), Ellie Estrada (Nisei, SF), and chef Francis Ang, who will guide diners through flavors that honor heritage while embracing innovation. Sommelier pairings and cocktails will be from Jhonel Faelnar (Lihka Wines/NA:EUN Hospitality), Justine Osilla (Kabayan Wines), and Spencer Vios (Abacá). Proceeds benefit Sentro Filipino. Two seatings: 6pm and 8:30pm, $125, reserve here.
It’s time to go visit the delightful and talented Angs at their heart-full restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf, where they have been sharing and celebrating Filipino cuisine and culture for four years. They really need the support of the SF community (not just their fab Filipino audience) so they can continue offering their beautiful food and warm hospitality. Book a brunch or dinner, or attend all four—these events will be something special. 2700 Jones St.
the bookworm
Here’s to Broke-Ass Stuart Celebrating San Francisco for More Than 20 Years, and Releasing a Book About It!
Shout-out to fellow indie writer and media outlet Broke-Ass Stuart, who celebrated 20 years of his publication back in 2022, and now he has a new book coming out to honor the occasion: The Worst of Broke-Ass Stuart: 20 Years of Love, Death & Dive Bars. Here’s more: “Part memoir, part cultural archive, the book brings together twenty years of stories about scraping by, speaking up, and falling in and out of love with the most beautifully heartwarming and heartbreaking place in America. These 350 pages chronicle my many escapades, like running for Mayor of San Francisco, getting paid to travel the world, and hosting my own TV show, as well as my mediations on things like love, death, and of course, dive bars…If you’ve ever waited tables, cried in a dive bar, danced in weird costumes in the street, tried to pay rent in drink tickets, or been in love with a city that might not love you back, this is your book.” 🙋♀️
Go to your local indie bookstore and pick up a copy, or you can order the book here. (If you just have to do evil Amazon, here’s the link.)
He’s throwing a book-release party at the Kilowatt in the Mission on Friday October 17th, and the Board of Supervisors just declared that day is Broke-Ass Stuart Day! Raise your glass! There will be a conversation and Q&A moderated by Honey Mahogany, burlesque and drag performances, music, and more! Doors: 7pm. 3160 16th St.
He’s also going on tour next week, so tell your friends who no longer live in SF: San Diego w/ Logan Mitchell on 10/14 at Hey Books!; Los Angeles w/ Special Guest on 10/15 at Thai Angel; and New York w/ Darron Cardosa (aka the Bitchey Waiter) on 10/20 at Powerhouse Arena. Here’s to 21 years of creating meaningful work that celebrates the spirit of San Francisco and the Bay Area! 🍻
