There are quite a few switcheroos we’re going to report here, I hope you’ve had your coffee. First up, Pete Mrabe will be moving PISTO’S TACOS in North Beach to the former Mas Sake space (2030 Lombard Street at Webster) in three to six months, and in the meantime, he’s moving the Pisto’s Tacos daytime/lunch menu into ~DON PISTO’S~ (the last day serving at 1310 Grant Street will be Saturday February 21st). Fans of Pisto’s Tacos burritos, tacos, and quesadillas will be able to find them at Don Pisto’s (510 Union Street) Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, starting March 2nd.
Mrabe will also be moving the pop-up of CHUBBY NOODLE North Beach that’s inside Amante (570 Green Street) into the Pisto’s Tacos space, and will be tweaking the menu a bit. A few Chubby Noodle staples will remain, like the ramen, plus grilled skewers, soups (like seafood udon), and a raw bar. And beer. That should all be up and running in three months or so. As for Amante, it’s going to have a limited menu for now and Mrabe is going to be launching a new food concept in the space, stand by for more on that.
Over on Potrero Hill, we caught up with Jocelyn Bulow, who shares that he is moving CHEZ MAMAN from its smaller location (at 1453 18th Street) into the larger CHEZ PAPA BISTROT space on the corner (at 1401 18th Street). It will have the same menu with a few additions (and larger tables, of course). Taking over the cozy Chez Maman space will either be a chicken rotisserie concept, or something else he is mulling over. Look for Chez Maman to reopen by the first week of March; the new concept will come later in spring.
Another thing to note: PAPITO POTRERO (317 Connecticut Street at 18th St.) has a new chef, Efren Villalobos (previously Mamacita, Mexico DF, and Marino Restaurant), who is launching his new menu on Wednesday February 18th. Bulow has sold PAPITO WEST (in Hayes Valley) to the restaurant’s general manager, David Alexander.
Now let’s jump to SoMa, where RADIUS RESTAURANT AND CAFE will be closing after a five-year run on Saturday February 28th. Owner Jon Whitehead (now the sole operator) is going to reopen the café and back patio as CARAFE, a café by day (smoothies, salads, sandwiches) and a wine bar in the evening (offering small plates, oysters, cheeses, and charcuterie). The wine list will continue to reflect many local winemakers and urban wineries too. Stand by for what’s in store for the restaurant space. 1123 Folsom St. at 7th St., 415-525-3676.
Tacos at Don Pisto’s (photo from website).
