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You know what makes me happy? When one of the first chefs I ever interviewed, oh, like 14 years ago (back in 2004!) gets in touch to let me know about her new project. That would be Brenda Buenviaje of local Brenda’s fame—I met her when she was…

I’ve been keeping you posted about the opening of chef Anthony Strong’s PRAIRIE in the former Hog & Rocks location in the Mission, and now I have a firsthand update for you since I was invited for an opening night meal last week! He’s done an impressive…

Congrats to Jay Foster, Matthew Washington, and Erin Traylor for getting ISLA VIDA AFRO-CARIBBEAN GRILL open in the Fillmore District—they just did a trial run over the weekend! Boom. Isla Vida will be open again this Wednesday, serving up wood-fired meats like jerk rotisserie chicken, tostones, Cubanos, and made-to-order…

Last week, I attended a preview of LUKE’S LOBSTER, an import from the East Coast (the founders are third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden and partner Ben Conniff). It’s a fast-casual spot, focused on lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls in buttered, split-top rolls, plus clam chowder, lobster-corn chowder, Patagonia Provisions’…

Another week, another new food hall project (you read about La Cocina’s big Municipal Marketplace project, right?)! This one is going to be an extension of The Market in the Twitter building: The Market Square Food Hall, a 14,000-square-foot project from Chris Foley, a local real estate investor…

Fans of ARSICAULT BAKERY (famous for their croissants, and other amazing baked goods) will be happy to hear owner-baker Armando Lacayo is opening a new location in Civic Center next year, “where he’ll eventually serve more of his signature croissants and kouign amanns, plus new offerings like sourdough bread…

Was sorry to read that LA VICTORIA BAKERY has closed after 67 years in the Mission. You can read more about the family dispute that brought it down in this Chronicle article. 2937 24th St. at Alabama. BOTELLÓN in the Castro has closed less than one year in business. Neighbor…

I have some local food news updates for you, starting with the announcement of the nominations for the Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s third annual Saucy Awards! Take a look to see who is up for Chef of the Year, Beverage Professional of the Year, and many more categories, 21…