The Lush

In the last tablehopper issue, I mentioned Ballast Point was coming to SF, and this week we have news about a slew of local breweries opening taprooms around town. First up, FORT POINT BEER CO. has scrapped their plans to share Timbuk2’s space on 20th Street in the Mission,…

This year’s fourth annual California Rum Fest is coming up on Saturday September 8th, offering the opportunity to sample more than 40 premium rum brand expressions from around the world, as well as access to exclusive seminars featuring some of the rum industry’s top luminaries starting at 12pm.…

A few months ago, I wrote that a modern Bavarian beer hall from the beer-lovin’ gents behind Biergarten and Suppenküche (Aaron and Matt Hulme) was coming to Fort Mason Center: RADHAUS. And it’s now open. The 3,700-square-foot industrial space includes a bar, communal bench, and plenty of tables,…

The former Swank at The Laurel Inn (a Joie de Vivre property) in Pacific Heights just got a whole new look and upgrade, graduating to its latest incarnation of LAUREATE. The space has a residential and midcentury modern look, courtesy of RPM Studio, complete with brass accents and the iconic…

Some big news happening over in Polk Gulch: after rumblings for the past few years that the 1145 Polk Street block was going to be razed for new housing, it’s actually happening. The classic live music venue and bar HEMLOCK TAVERN has announced it has been sold and will…

I was walking on Divisadero after picking up some groceries for my post-vacation empty fridge, and was happy to see signs of life back at the Mojo Bicycle Cafe location, now FOOL’S ERRAND from John Dampeer, who came down from Noe Valley (Caskhouse, Hamlet) to join us. The space…

A couple events for you: on Sunday July 29th, ‘Aina Bento is going to be popping up at Harmonic Brewing. Take a look at their bountiful bento boxes in my Table Talk post, and you can get your ticket here, which is good for one bento of your choice (I…

Newly open in the former The Residence is LAST RITES, a Polynesian Noir hideaway from High Proof’s Justin Lew and Ian Scalzo (Horsefeather). Interior designer James Lagoc (Nopa, Bi-Rite, Horsefeather), designer-builder Brian Sullivan, and graphic designer-owner Justin Lew went to town on transforming the location so you feel like…

Some brighter news over at ~THE ALEMBIC~, after we have all been reeling from the unexpected death of barman extraordinaire Daniel Hyatt (you can read my homage to him), who helped establish the bar’s reputation for being a place for brilliant cocktails when it opened 12 years ago. The…

Newly open in Pacific Heights is VERVE WINE, a West Coast location of a Tribeca (New York) wine shop from Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson (Eleven Madison Park, RN74, and you may have seen him in Somm), wine merchant Derrick Mize, and sommelier Eric Railsback. Look for 500 labels from small…