The Bacchus Management Group (of Spruce and The Village Pub) is opening a restaurant in the Saratoga Hotel building, Scoop reports. The neighborhood, in the Tenderloin/Lower Nob Hill, is unusual for the group—they’ve typically opened shop in places like Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Woodside. We have been tracking the space for over a year, and there are some additional details over at Eater, where they’re reporting that the group is still waiting on a conditional use authorization from the Planning Department that includes a restaurant and bar with seating for 72, in a 4,200-square-foot space. They aren’t divulging any additional details at the moment, though it may be called The Saratoga (which is the name of the building’s hotel). Time will tell. 1008 Larkin St. at Post.
Speaking of Bacchus Management, we previously mentioned their former Café des Amis space was scooped up by local restaurateur Adriano Paganini (Beretta, Starbelly, Super Duper, Lolinda). Eater now has an update on his plans for the space, which is still unnamed. It’s going to be a Belgian brasserie, with a California sensibility, of course. Think moules frites and steak frites, along with salads, sides, and sausages smoked in-house in a wood-fired oven. Right now, they’re working on renovating the space. They’re opening it up, creating a lighter, airier space, with natural wood and gray tones. The current opening date is set for May 1st. 2000 Union St. at Buchanan.
Jon Whitehead has a couple of new projects coming to SoMa this month. The first is EL CAPITAN, which is moving into the former Radius space. He’s brought chef Mark Furr onboard to run the kitchen, which is exciting. We’ve been fans of his excellent barbecue since the Smoke truck days and his stint at Broken Record, and it sounds like he’s getting ready to have some fun at El Capitan.
The menu will draw inspiration from Latin America and the Caribbean, with lots of small plates for sharing, like ceviche, grilled octopus, and fried plantains. The convivial attitude is reflected in the main dishes, too, which are also intended for sharing. Large groups will be able to order large-format dishes like whole fish, suckling pig, and an Argentine asado, to enjoy family style. They are still working on refreshing the space, but should open in mid-March. A full liquor license is in the works. 1123 Folsom St. at Langton.
Then, in the neighboring former Radius Cafe spot, Whitehead is opening CARAFE tonight, Tuesday March 3rd. Instead of functioning as a café, Carafe will be more of a wine bar (our previous mention here). 1127 Folsom St. at Langton.
Scoop is reporting that Jay Bordeleau and Kate Bolton of Maven are opening a new restaurant on Market called CADENCE, right next to the upcoming Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio. Joey Elenterio (Wayfare Tavern, Chez TJ) has been brought on as chef and will be creating a menu of progressive American dishes. The space will seat 90, with a more traditional service format than Maven’s cocktails-with-food style. The current timeline has them opening this summer. 1446 Market St. at Polk.
Exterior photo from the now-closed Café des Amis (photo via Facebook).
