At ~MAVEN~in the Lower Haight, the Scoop reports that chef-partner David Kurtz has resigned; they have promoted chef de cuisine Isaac Miller to executive chef. Sounds like the portion sizes are going to be given a bit of a boost. I have enjoyed the burger, but am looking forward to seeing the new direction the menu takes.
Chef-owner Melissa Perello of ~FRANCES~ writes in to inform me that her new GM is Robert Wright, previously director of operations at the girl + the fig and a GM at COI. Opening GM Patrick Tsui (he will be missed!) has moved on after three years at the restaurant—he is a new father, and Grub Street adds he is now director of operations and development at Spice Kit.
San Francisco Magazine notes that the replacement for previous BOUCHE chef Nico Borzee, Michel Réthoré, did not work out. Owner Guillaume Issaverdens is on the hunt for a new chef; stand by. 603 Bush St. at Stockton, 415-956-0396.
A few projects around town have been axed: first, CITY GRANGE, the combination production kitchen, restaurant, market, and event space concept I mentioned back in May by the owners of nearby Fat Angel, is no longer happening. 1740 O’Farrell St. at Eddy.
Last week one of my tablehopper sources let me know that the intended ~COFFEE BAR~ location on Howard Street in SoMa was dunzo. Eater caught up with VP of Operations Nathan Downs, who goes into some detail about why they decided to pull out (basically, they found a commissary kitchen closer to the café’s main location). 1599 Howard St. at 12th St.
The burger at Maven. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
