Let’s take a quick look at some upcoming projects, shall we?
After departing Russian Hill’s 1760, opening chef Adam Tortosa went on to work at badass sushi HQ Akiko’s while formulating plans for his next venture, which will be THE STARLING, coming to Hayes Valley. Tortosa will be joining the SF wave of offering an omakase menu ($79), which will meld traditional Japanese technique and NorCal produce and seasonality (just look at this Santa Barbara uni topped with shiro dashi emulsified egg yolk). Turns out this move toward sushi isn’t so left field, since his background includes an apprentice position under master sushi chef Katsu-ya Uechi. There will also be some small plates available.
According to The Starling’s profile, it will have “hip-hop sensibilities.” Whip whip whap. It’s a tiny spot, with 10 seats at the sushi bar and 20 at tables. Look for a hopeful winter opening; it will be in a new building. 388 Fulton St. at Gough. [Via Eater.]
The same development/building is going to be getting an artisan-made doughnut and coffee shop, JOHNNY DOUGHNUTS, from the Downtown San Rafael doughnut maker (which also has food trucks that visit SF). There will be both indoor and outdoor seating; look for an opening at the end of 2016. 388 Fulton St. at Gough.
Folks in Bernal should be excited that Nute Chulasuwan is taking over 903 Cortland, making her Nute’s Noodle Nights pop-up a permanent thing. We’ll keep you posted on the opening. [Via Scoop.] 903 Cortland Ave. at Folsom.
Russian Hill residents will soon see the former Le Petit Robert/La Boulange corner space opening in September as an all-day eatery, SPLIT BREAD. The founders of Mixt (formerly Mixt Greens)—Andrew Swallow and Leslie and David Silverglide—are behind the café, which has two locations in SoMa. The cafés are more focused on lunch/sandwiches (hence the name). The plan for this location is breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with weekend brunch too.
It will offer cashless service, and guests will order at the table, instead of traditional table service. There will be 60-70 seats, outdoor seating, and a very easy takeout system too. Expect egg dishes and plenty of brunch favorites, burgers, salads, crispy chicken sandwiches, and some dinner entrées. Coffee service will be from Four Barrel Coffee, and there will be wine on tap and beer. [Via Hoodline and Eater.] 2300 Polk St. at Green.
Speaking of fried chicken sandwiches, Adriano Paganini (Beretta, Delarosa, Super Duper, Uno Dos Tacos, etc.) is launching his latest SF business, THE BIRD. Based around fried chicken sandwiches made with local, free-range chicken, this SoMa eatery will be opening for lunch and dinner. It’s due to open in a former Melt location in October. 15 New Montgomery St. at Market.
One of Adam Tortosa’s creations at Akiko’s: caviar and potato chip sushi. Photo via Instagram.
