The Chatterbox

It’s hell on earth in the North Bay, and there is a tremendous, awe-inspiring amount of effort happening in the Bay Area from so many people trying to help, from feeding people to providing shelter and supplies and medical attention, let alone emotional support, to helping animals and livestock.…

I know the recent quakes and horrific damage in Mexico seem far away considering all the terrible disasters our planet has suffered the past few weeks, but there are still many people and places in desperate need who will benefit from our assistance. There are so many people now homeless…

I know everyone’s Facebook pages are swirling with info on angel friends driving supplies to shelters, drop-off points for donations, food deliveries, and many more ways to help all these poor people who have lost everything in Northern California from the fires. You are all amazing, way to rally.…

Newly open (as of last night) on 24th Street in the Mission is FOXSISTER from chef-owner Brandon Kirksey and his partner Kristina Farino. Kirksey’s background includes working at Flour + Water, The Slanted Door and Jardinière and opening Girin Ssam Bar in Seattle, where Kirksey was deeply inspired to explore…

Some snacky news for you: Kantine Smørrebrød has returned to the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market for the fall season—look for Nichole Accettola’s Scandinavian-inspired open-faced sandwiches and grain porridges (only served from 8am-10:30am) and sprouted rye bread to bring home. They will rotate each week. 8am-2pm, south…

Last week, THE HALL closed in order to start making way for development of the space into mixed use (residential and retail). The temporary space (it was open for three years) housed a variety of small businesses, from Back East Sandwich Shop to El Pípila (who I heard going to…

As many of you know, last Friday I helped host the preopening party for DONATO & CO., the contemporary Italian restaurant opening in Elmwood from Donato Scotti (of Donato Enoteca and CRU in Redwood City and Desco in Oakland) and his chef-partner in this and future projects, Gianluca Guglielmi, who…

Our poor world right now. I know we have all been feeling powerless watching the horrific aftermath of all these disasters recently. So much suffering and loss. So let’s do something! After the most recent quakes in Mexico, I partnered up with the wonderful folks at Cambria Gallery in…

Back in August, I mentioned chef Robin Song was going to be opening GIBSON in the soon-to-be-renovated boutique Hotel Bijou in the Tenderloin, and boom, it’s opening this Thursday October 5th. Song’s menu is contemporary American and will be driven by live-fire cooking. You can start with charcoal-grilled…

Last week, I ran a preview of the about-to-open THE SALZBURG in North Beach, and co-owner Jay Esopenko has confirmed it’s opening this Wednesday October 4th. Here’s a look at the menu, which is going to get you thirsty and hungry. Hours will be Tue-Wed 4pm-10:30pm, Thu-Sat…