The third location of THE LITTLE CHIHUAHUA is now open on Valencia. As previously reported on tablehopper, they’ve taken over the former Urbun Burger space. The menu will be the same as the other locations—except they won’t be doing nachos and enchiladas for now; something new and exciting will be replacing them soon. Beer and wine. Open 11am-10pm daily. 581 Valencia St. at 17th St., 415-355-9144.
Well, San Francisco State University students will be happy to learn TURTLE TOWER is opening another location in the Student Center on Monday November 26th. Hours will be Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, although it will be closed during winter break. West Plaza Alcove B, 1650 Holloway Ave., C-134.
As previously mentioned on tablehopper, owner Brian Cassanego is going to be opening NOIR in the former Frjtz in Hayes Valley, and it looks like the soft opening will be happening in mid-December. Here’s a preliminary peek at the menu. Per Diem’s chef, Adam Hinojosa, is consulting on the menu, which offers everything from popcorn with different toppings to herbed frites three different ways (with lemon aioli, or tossed in béarnaise and topped with an egg, or tossed in short rib gravy with smoked cheese curds); wild mushroom crêpe with a sunny-side up egg and Parmesan broth; salads; and larger entrées like fried chicken and waffles (pumpkin waffle, chicken sausage gravy, sage honey butter, spinach), and adobo pork stew.
The wine list by sommelier Gianna Gaudini will feature 25-30 by-the-glass options, 50-60 bottles, and 4-6 selections on tap; there will be a chilled wine cellar ensuring wines are stored and served at the proper temp. As a reminder, the decor is inspired by film noir and the Jazz Age (Gi Paoletti Design Lab is behind the design). The film lounge area in the back will screen black-and-white movies, and music will span from jazz to trip hop, although they are hoping to be able to have a live jazz duo play, plus offer outdoor seating. 581 Hayes St. at Laguna.
Meanwhile, over in the Mission, pop-up SOUS BEURRE KITCHEN is moving from its digs inside Sugarlump Café to a permanent space. Chef-owner Michael Mauschbaugh hopes to open next summer; sbk’s last service at Sugarlump will be December 14th, although he will be popping up now and then. 2704/2706 24th St. at Potrero St.
Grub Street shares details on KITCHEN STORY, the restaurant that is taking over Tangerine in the Castro. The couple, Steven and Ji Yeon Choi, also own Sweet Maple and Blackwood in the Marina. Look for an all-day California menu with “a few Asian twists”; peep at the menu here. The soft opening is scheduled for November 19th. 3499 16th St. at Sanchez.
Lastly, was sorry to learn in Haighteration that my neighborhood Thai place, THAI PLACE II at 312 Divisadero St., has new owners who will be making changes in the new year, including a new name: SA-BEANG THAI. Meanwhile, the former CHILLI CHA CHA (494 Haight St.) is going to be TERRIFIC THAI.
The new Little Chihuahua. Photo courtesy The Little Chihuahua.
