Hello friends. Wow, it’s already a new month. How are you hanging in there? This past week’s world news has been brutal to watch and process, and has definitely flattened out my usual effervescence, so please excuse the absence of my typical sass this week. I’m also dealing with a sad family situation (my dear grandma isn’t doing well, our beloved matriarch), so I needed to cut my content short and send this issue early today so I can be with my family, thanks for understanding. I will keep posting about local fundraisers and ways to support Ukraine in my Instagram Stories once I am back online…but in the meantime, World Central Kitchen is doing some heroic work feeding refugees, and can always use your support.
But the world keeps spinning, and there’s always a party somewhere. It’s wild to think Mardi Gras is today (let the good times roll), and so many folks in our local culinary scene are still riding high from their James Beard Award semifinalist nominations, which has to feel extra-good after the past two years of hell they’ve been through. Congrats to all. Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees will be revealed on Wednesday March 16th.
I am also SO HAPPY we get to announce the winner of the Popmenu and tablehopper “Pophop” campaign we launched at the end of last year. Thanks to all of you who nominated local restaurants (and your own businesses!) for the contest—it was really heartwarming to read all the personal notes. Keep reading today’s newsletter to see who won the digital makeover and six months of Popmenu + Boost marketing support! Couldn’t happen to a nicer operator. Thanks for your support of our F&B industry!
Let’s also congratulate Deborah Alvarez-Rodriguez, La Cocina’s New executive director. Read more about this wonderful hire who is taking the baton from Caleb ZIgas, who departed in January 2022, after 16 years with the organization. Here’s to continuing on the path of a bright future.
I also want to do a shout-out for our beloved Vinny Eng, who was nominated to serve as a Community Grand Marshal for this year’s San Francisco Pride! What a well-deserved honor for this wonderful, loving human who does so much for our community! Click here to cast your vote! Poll closes at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 8th.
One last reminder: have you joined me at the new Bay Area News Party group on Facebook? It’s a group of local publications like Broke-Ass Stuart, 48Hills, SF Funcheap, and yours truly, where we share news, events, and more about what’s happening in the Bay. Join right here to keep up on all the latest.
Thanks for reading, take good care of yourself and others, and I’ll catch up with you soon. Marcia Gagliardi
The breathtaking view from the new Kaiyo Rooftop in SoMa. Order the aptly named (and pisco sour-ish) The Wind Rises. Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Mar 1 2022
