The Chatterbox

Folks who live near Hayes Valley should be pretty stoked with the arrival of WISE SONS BAGEL & COFFEE, now open in the former Artís coffee space from co-founders and brothers Evan and Ari Bloom, and Leo Beckerman. You’ll be able to come by for bagels, bialys, housemade shmears,…

A tablehopper reader let me know the unfortunate news that just after winning their first Michelin star and just shy of a year of being open, the fantastic KINJO on Polk suffered severe water damage from a flood (from an apartment neighbor above). It’s so bad that the restaurant…

This Thursday November 2nd, San Francisco is getting some special guests, THE MEAT HOOK from Brooklyn, who will be doing a backyard cookout at NOPALITO’s 9th Avenue location. And it’s an awesome fire relief fundraiser! Free entry. Sausages and drinks will be cash and carry with all proceeds…

A few quick openings to report, including a second SALT & STRAW in SF. The Portland-based ice cream maker now has a Hayes Valley shop, where you can experience 17 of their unique flavors, including some local collaborations (like Sightglass Coffee and single-origin Dandelion Chocolate, and Teranga baobab juice and…

Finn Town’s Rick Hamer and William Vastardis will be opening another restaurant in the Castro in November, PAPI RICO, in the former Dante’s Table. Inspired by Puerto Vallarta, the BAR reports it will be a beachy cantina, featuring Mexican playa and street food, like fish tacos, ceviche, al…

Man, there are some unfortunate closures to report, starting with a North Beach classic, L’OSTERIA DEL FORNO, which has cyrptically closed after 27 years in business. Scoop reports there was a sign in the window that stated it was closed for renovations, but it also reportedly said that “they…

With all the lousy news these days, let’s highlight a few nice and fun things, starting with this feel-good story in Mission Local about the return of BOOGALOOS after the landlord realized the rent hike that almost squeezed them out of their iconic Valencia location was not a cool…

Hi gang, the world continues to really needs our help. The majority of Puerto Rico remains without power, one month after Hurricane Maria struck (just think how much you lose your mind when the power is out for just a couple of hours). And our dear neighbors up north, man,…

There are a bunch of new East Bay openings, starting with COPPER SPOON, which is now open in the former Art’s Crab Shak in Oakland. Chef Andre Hall (previously Acme Chophouse, Bar Tartine, Fifth Floor, and Alexander’s Steakhouse)—who has teamed up with co-owners Vita Simone and Carmen…

Well, you guys, we did it! Friday night was our SF ❤️ MX fundraiser for Mexico earthquake relief, and it was all hands on deck! Not only did we sell out of tickets (thank you thank you!), but we also surpassed the $10K goal I had flitting around in my mind.…