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 of the restaurant group on this project), and designer Ken Fulk, a frequent collaborator on Weinberg’s restaurants. The Chron reports they plan to reopen the beloved North Beach landmark, which dates back to 1919, this winter.
It couldn’t be in better hands, really. It ends up Oakes grew up in North Beach, and she’ll be bringing some authentic nostalgia for the neighborhood to the menu development, which will remain Italian American, leaning on classic Italian simplicity and great ingredients, with daily updates.
The dining room will have a few refreshed touches, like reupholstered booths, and will potentially be widened a little. The private back room, which is full of memorabilia, will most likely remain the same as well. But Fulk will be having some fun with the small, upstairs private dining room—start placing your bets on whether there will be his trademark taxidermy in there or not. Perhaps a little fox in its den. And there’s no word on plans for the former Lusty Lady, also part of the deal.
Stand by for more. I know I’m not the only one exhaling over this news—I’m glad this storied business is back in some good hands.
Tosca’s open kitchen, flanking the dining room. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
