Now open in the temporarily closed B-Side at SFJAZZ in Hayes Valley is LAZY SUSAN, a takeout and delivery concept from Salt Partners (Crenn Dining Group, Horsefeather, Humphry Slocombe), with chef Eric Ehler (Fort Point Beer, Mister Jiu’s) behind the menu of Chinese-American takeout classics (think General Tso’s chicken, crab Rangoon, and chow mein, with a contemporary touch). There has been a bit of a dust-up on Instagram over an obnoxious post that grossly misrepresented Eric, and I’m not going to dedicate many pixels or links to it except to point to Eric’s poignant video, and to say Eric is a helluva chef who is going to crush this menu (like he does everywhere he works), and I can’t wait to dig into his version of beef with two kinds of broccoli and chow mein.
Check the menu here, featuring 25 dishes with housemade sauces and developed to travel well for delivery—and all entrées are gluten-free (you’ll also see Impossible meat in the ma po tofu). Dishes are designed to be approachable at $8-$9 for apps and $11-$15 (for entrées). Open Wed-Sun 5pm-9:30pm. 208 Fell St. at Franklin.
I heard there was a new Mexican spot opening in the former Finn Town in the Castro, and Hoodline has the update: it’s SANTERIA, from owner Eduardo Sandoval of the nearby Tacorgasmico. They won’t be serving their full menu just yet—just brunch on the weekend at the moment. For now, pop-up Tejas Forever is offering a menu of Tex-Mex dishes (which will continue to be available on delivery/takeout apps once Santeria’s menu fully rolls out—they’re operating like a ghost kitchen in the space). Consultant Samantha Kharma has put together the cocktail list, with drinks available to go and out front, like the Relentless Sinner (spiced hibiscus, tequila, Cynar, Campari, agave, lemon, bitters, $13), and Mexican Gringo (tamarindo-chile tequila, mango cordial, lime, $12), and frozen margaritas. The interior was lightly refreshed and there’s outdoor seating. Open Sun-Thu 11am-9pm and Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 2251 Market St. at Sanchez.
Just in case you missed the amazing news: beloved ART’S CAFE, home of the hash brown sandwich (that’s my old review from 2009!), has reopened with a Korean couple who kept the space and most of the menu the same, from the diner counter with vintage postcards to the Samurai omelet, plus some new additions! I tweeted the great news about their opening before leaving town, and now it’s time to head over for some takeout and to welcome this marvelous couple (Lee and Young Lee) to the neighborhood. You can read more about them in this Eater piece. Talk about saving the day, and the diner! The little Korean-American diner that could! Open Tue-Sun 7:30am-3pm for takeout only. 747 Irving St. at 9th St.
I was trying to get some info from the owners of the new HINOYA CURRY in the Marina back in January, but they weren’t very forthcoming with details at that time. They have since opened in the former Mac’d, serving “curry rice, pork katsu curry, chicken katsu curry, and chicken karaage over curry” for now—along with beer and sake. You can read more about this relatively well-known curry spot in Japan in this Eater piece. Takeout and outdoor searing are available. Open Fri-Sat 11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm, and Sun 11am-3pm for now. 3347 Fillmore St. at Chestnut.
How’s this for a pandemic-themed opening? There’s a new spot popping up in the evening in Mission Picnic on Valencia called TOTAL MELTDOWN SF, specializing in grilled cheese sandwiches (including The Millionaire, with gochujang-maple glazed, thick-cut bacon and gouda), mac and cheese, and cheesy tots with all kinds of toppings, from pulled pork to Brussels sprouts (with Green Goddess drizzle, goat cheese). And, of course, there’s a birria grilled cheese. May as well call the place Totally Baked. (Oh hey, I just found this piece by Mission Local if you’d like to read more.) Open Tue-Sun 4pm-9pm. 983 Valencia St. at 21st St.
General Tso’s chicken at Lazy Susan. Photo: Joseph Weaver.
