A Mission pal tipped us off to this one, and then Eater snagged the details: now open in the Mission is RAMEN IZAKAYA GOKU. It comes from owner Eiichi Mochizuki, who also owns Men Oh Ramen, and is within the same family as the Shabuway chain (not to be confused with Subway, where people go to give birth in the restroom).
The menu is different than Mochizuki’s other locations, though, with izakaya-style small plates (beef tataki with yuzu and peppers, sweet and spicy chicken wings) and five kinds of ramen including vegetable miso and classic tonkotsu (our friend said it’s mighty tasty). The small, narrow space has seating in front and back, with a bar at the kitchen for those who like to watch the kitchen. Hours are Tue-Sun 6pm-10pm, though they hope to stay open until 1am starting soon. 3232 16th St. at Guerrero, 415-934-0321.
After the fire that devastated CHEZ SPENCER back in May, Scoop reports that the building will have to be torn down. Ugh, that gorgeous building, so tragic. Fortunately, owner Laurent Katgely has already found a new spot, this time on 18th Street in the former Suika space. The new location will be much smaller, with only 30 seats, and Katgely intends to use that intimacy to get a little more creative. Diners will choose three-, five-, or eight-course tasting menus based on a list of 10 dishes each evening, with a mix of classic French options and more modern fare. In front, the plan is to put in an informal café called SPENCER ON THE GO (like his food truck), with similar menu items in a more casual environment. Right now, they’re hoping to be open in late November. 3376 18th St. at Capp.
There’s a new neighborhood spot that just opened in the former Om Shan Tea in the Mission: MISSION PUBLIC. Hat tip to UrbanDaddy for the intel, reporting that Mission Public is just serving breakfast for now, with lunch coming this week and dinner to follow shortly. A menu on Facebook shows sandwiches, some of which are pressed panino-style. They’re pouring De La Paz coffee, with “pop tarts” and other baked goods from Black Jet Baking Co., plus there’s Wi-Fi. Once they expand their hours, look for more substantial fare like potpie, and they’ll add beer when the beer-and-wine license comes through too. Hours for now are Mon-Fri 7:30am-2pm. 233 14th St. at Natoma, 415-525-4175.
The interior of Ramen Izakaya Goku. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.
