We were sorry to read in Scoop that one of our favorite chefs, Sean Baker, is leaving ~VERBENA~, where he is also a partner. He’ll be transitioning out of the restaurant over the next couple of months, apparently, while he ramps up for a new project and the restaurant finds a new chef. No details are available about the cause of the split, but it is certainly a shame for those of us who loved Baker’s food there. We can’t wait to hear (and try) where the talented Baker goes next, and we’ll see what talent moves into the Verbena kitchen.
MARLA BAKERY has a new chef de cuisine, Duncan Holmes, previously of Sons & Daughters. He will be working on daily changing menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and in true San Francisco style, he is committed to using seasonal, local ingredients. He’ll also be working on their family-style Sunday suppers, which will be happening on a monthly basis. Stay tuned for more on that soon. 3619 Balboa St. at 37th Ave., 415-742-4379.
It looks like RANGE will be returning to its roots later this month. According to Scoop, chef Rachel Sillcocks will be leaving on January 18th to work on her own projects, and owner and original chef Phil West will take over in the kitchen. Look for many of his classics, including the famed coffee-rubbed pork shoulder on the menu. 842 Valencia St. at 19th St., 415-282-8283.
The interior at Verbena. Photo by Carmen Troesser.