Dim sum fanatics (and Instagram stunt food aficionados) have been eagerly anticipating the opening of PALETTE TEA HOUSE (no relation to Palette in SoMa), and it’s now open in Ghirardelli Square (in the former Waxman’s space). Eater reports there are “127 seats in the main dining room, 19 at the bar, 10 in a private dining room, and an additional 100 on the patio.”
The restaurant is the latest from Koi Palace and Dragon Beaux owner Willy Ng, with general manager Dennis Leung. Look for many Koi Palace classics, along with some of the colorful and innovative dumplings from Dragon Beaux, plus upscale touches like Kurobuta pork, spot prawns, lobster har gow, and rice crepes with wagyu and black truffle from chef Stephen Nguyen, with attention paid to colorful and whimsical presentations. Check out the insane lunch menu of your dim sum dreams, while dinner adds some grilled items. There is also a bar menu from 3pm-5pm with some nice bites (bring on the sizzling Peking dumplings).
Pastry chef Lyn Manangan is putting out desserts like chocolate mochi cake with salted pastry cream. There’s even a full bar with a cocktail menu from Carlos Yturria (The Treasury, Whitecap), and John Vuong (High Treason) is behind the wine list.
The interior was updated by Sunny Tam of Studio O2 and designer Chris Ho of C&E Designs, and has a modern style that is a counterpoint to the classic brick walls. Open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. 900 North Point St. at Larkin.
There’s a second location of Japantown’s HINODEYA RAMEN BAR now open in SoMa, which opened ahead of another planned-for location at 668 Clay St. Open for lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm. 303 2nd St. at Folsom. [Via Eater.]
Yelp reveals a new, casual curry spot in the Tenderloin called TENDER CURRY & CO., serving affordable, choose-your-own rice bowls with different curries, plus some appetizer bites and Thai-style ramen. Beer and wine available. Open daily 11am-4pm and 5pm-10pm. 655 Larkin St. at Ellis, 415-757-0685.
Now, it’s time for some coffee. I’ve been driving by the location for KLATCH COFFEE for some time, and the Los Angeles import has opened its first Bay Area location (in partnership with Bay Area local Bo Thiara), with another location planned to open in the Mission. The award-winning roaster got started in 1993, and works directly with farmers around the world—they have some renowned coffees, and were the first to win the Golden Bean Award for their espresso four years in a row. You’ll find all kind of coffee drinks, plus café bites, and baked goods from Craftsman and Wolves. Open Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm. 1450 Franklin St. at Bush.
Hoodline mentioned a new café, THE COFFEE MOVEMENT, from Bryan Overstreet, who is bringing Aussie coffee culture to Nob Hill, while featuring beans from roasters from Michigan, SF, and beyond. Open daily 7am-4pm. 1030 Washington St. at Powell.
The elegant dim sum spread at Palette Tea House. Photo via Facebook.
