Some news bits around town for you. First, some details are coming out about what’s moving into the former Bia’s in the Upper Haight: according to Uppercasing, it’s going to be SPARROW BAR AND KITCHEN. There are a lot of details on the website, starting with the news that Ola Fendert (Oola) is consulting on the modern American menu. There are sample menus for brunch (buckwheat waffles, a variety of egg dishes), lunch (sandwiches like buttermilk fried chicken, a bean burger), and dinner (oysters, roasted quail stuffed with Swiss chard and pine nuts, ricotta-spinach ravioli, and a burger). Craft beers, local ingredients, and music are also mentioned. Sounds like the couple (simply referred to on the site as Marc and Veronica) are going for a March opening. 1640 Haight St. at Clayton.
Over the weekend, tablehopper tipster Jason B. sent me a pic showing that late-night Korean spot Nan California Korean Kitchen has closed, and the new signage announces HASHIBORO KOU opening in March. 1560 Fillmore St. at Geary.
Chowhound mentions a new dumpling place on Clement with the hopeful name of XIAO LONG BAO, but initial Yelp reviews are not too fired up on the quality (all will be revealed in time!). 625 Clement St. at 7th Ave., 415-666-3998.
Alas, as previously mentioned, THAI PLACE II has changed into SA-BEANG THAI, and Haighteration announces there’s a new and expanded menu under the new ownership. (Here’s hoping they still make a delicious Thai chicken dish and beef ball soup. Change is hard!) Open Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm and until 11pm Fri-Sat. 312 Divisadero St. at Page.
Grub Street mentions a new fast-casual spot focused on using quality, seasonal ingredients coming to Spear Street: ALMANAC, due to open April 1st. Bring on the farro salads! Stand by for more. 180 Spear St. at Howard.
XLB at Xiao Long Bao. Yelp photo by ALan L.
