I heard through the Russian Hill grapevine that chef and part-owner Alexander Alioto has left SEVEN HILLS, and the rumor I heard is that he is taking over a Thai place in the neighborhood (this part is very TBD). While Alioto confirmed his departure from Seven Hills, that was all he could share at this time. Meanwhile, owner (and brother-in-law) Alexis Solomou has bought Alioto out and brought on a new executive chef, Anthony Florian, whose résumé includes Quince, Cotogna, Bar Bambino, Servino, Santi, and, most recently, Pizzalina. Solomou tells me pasta is his thing, and Florian will continue to build upon Seven Hills’ reputation for pasta. The new menu is already up and is in a similar format. And yes, the raviolo is still on there, although it will probably be revised a bit. Florian’s sous chef is Daniel Maragoudakis, who has been at Cotogna for two years, and they reportedly work really well together. Am looking forward to seeing how the new crew develops the menu. 1550 Hyde St. at Pacific, 415-775-1550.
As mentioned in tablehopper last Friday, chef Anthony Paone of 20 SPOT has moved up to the 707, where’s he’s taken the helm at Kenwood Restaurant. In his place at 20 Spot is Caleb Jones, who worked at Claudine previously. Scoop notes that he’ll be moving the menu toward medium-size plates, while still keeping the menu small and focused. 3565 20th St. at Lexington, 415-624-3140.
There’s also some news that we heard from the Recchiutis: ~CHOCOLATE LAB~ in Dogpatch has signed on chef Santé Salvoni as chef de cuisine. With him will come some new changes, including a larger savory section of the menu, with more full-size entrées and more attention on non-dessert items. Look for the new dishes in the next month or so, and also note that the hours have changed to Tue-Fri 12pm-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, and Sun 11am-4pm.
We received word and it was reported in Scoop that ~RADIUS~ has a new executive chef: Jason Wittek, who previously spent five years at Spruce, followed by time at Piccino. His new menu is already active; take a peek here.
Over in Oakland, Scoop reports that chef Tracey Belock has filled the head chef space left by Huw Thorton at TRIBUNE TAVERN. Belock previously worked at Oakland’s Disco Volante, and at Farallon and Quince before that.
The exterior of Seven Hills. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
