The Chatterbox

Last week, I was thrilled to be invited to a friends and family preview dinner at NARI, the latest restaurant from chef-owner Pim Techamuanvivit of our city’s much-adored Kin Khao (and Nahm in Bangkok). It’s a spacious step up from Kin Khao’s casual atmosphere: Nari is a…

In the last tablehopper, locals were reeling over the news of the sudden closure of ~TOSCA CAFE~, and now we have news of who the new owners are: Nancy Oakes (Boulevard, Prospect), Anna Weinberg (Big Night Restaurant Group: Marlowe, The Cavalier, Leo’s Oyster Bar—although Weinberg is working outside…

I’ve already mentioned the details on the new, modern Italian-American red sauce joint, GREAT GOLD in the former Foxsister, and hey now, it’s open. Check out the menu here. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm and Sun 6pm-9pm. 3161 24th St. at Shotwell. There’s a new Vietnamese gastropub in SoMa,…

A few things to look forward to: last year, word came out that TSUTA ramen was opening in The Metreon, and they have now set the opening for mid-September. The Michelin-starred restaurant (the first ramen restaurant to earn a star) originates in Sugamo, Tokyo, and has two locations in Singapore.…

Damn, am so sorry to report ISLA VIDA has closed in the Fillmore after a year of giving it their all. Co-owners Jay Foster, Matthew Washington, and Erin Traylor were turning out some mighty tasty Afro-Caribbean food and tropical vibes, but unfortunately operational costs proved to be too much for…

The Bacchus Management Group (The Village Pub, Spruce) has really done it this time: now open in Atherton is their latest project, SELBY’S. Open in the former Chantilly, the location has been home to fine-dining restaurants since 1937, and the swanky style feels like a throwback to that era.…

Big news from over the weekend: North Beach’s ~TOSCA CAFE~ closed after service Saturday night. Eater reports chef-owner April Bloomfield is keeping the bar open for a bit, but no word for how long. In a follow-up statement to Eater, Bloomfield states, “Tosca Cafe will close temporarily as I…

Some big news over at ~SPQR~: managing partner Shelley Lindgren, who co-founded the Fillmore restaurant in 2007, has divested ownership in it. She will continue to focus on A16’s SF and Rockridge locations, and A16 is going to have an upcoming location in the Oakland airport. She is also…

SF is losing a talented chef: executive chef Christa Chase is leaving TARTINE MANUFACTORY on August 20th. She helped open the restaurant in 2016, and became the exec in 2017. She says she’s going to enjoy a break (so well-deserved), and will be part of a new project by…

I’ve been hearing from multiple sources about changes happening at the eight-month-old COW MARLOWE in Cow Hollow, and got an update from Big Night Restaurant Group’s Anna Weinberg. They’re making some updates to the kitchen, and decided to lighten up everything overall, which includes the menu, cocktails,…