February 15, 2011 - This week's tablehopper: in the soup.

This week's tablehopper: in the soup.                    

The delicious miso tonkotsu ramen at Chotto.

Hello, rain. I have to admit, I don’t mind it too much—I was able to enjoy my bowl of Mission Chinese Food’s Westlake rice porridge all the more for breakfast this morning (and I polished the rest of it off for lunch). And here’s one more bowl of goodness to add to your list: the ramen at Chotto in the Marina. The rich and potent broth is made from a combination of pork and chicken bones, and you can choose from two kinds (go with the kara-miso/spicy version if you like heat). And it’s totally fulfilling for $9.50 (and under!).

My favorite meal of last week, however, was at my grandma’s house, with our family gathering to celebrate grandma’s birthday. My dad and I were in charge of making his famed mushroom risotto (his risotto really is the best, and he’s totally ruined me—I never order it when I’m dining out), and my mother made a delicious veal ragout. The finale was a big St. Honoré cake from Dianda’s in San Mateo, a family favorite. And of course there was lots of Champagne; while holding Kai—my brand-new, first cousin once removed—he was happily reaching for my glass. Welcome to the family, kid.

There’s even more imbibing on the horizon: this Wednesday is all about the Italians at Tre Bicchieri, and I’m going to a friend’s Scotch tasting on Saturday (red alert).

I’m also going to be raising a glass of something good next Monday while I’m writing my column, because tablehopper turns five on Monday the 21st. I know, kuh-razy! That’s a lot of lost Monday nights on deadline. Anyway. Look for a couple announcements next Tuesday (and yeah, one of them is pretty big).

Stay dry out there.

Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Chef de Cuisine Sarah Burchard Departs Barbacco

I was very surprised to learn on Twitter that the talented chef de cuisine of BARBACCO, Sarah Burchard, was leaving the restaurant. Aw heck, our city loses another female chef. We had a chance to catch up on the weekend, and she said it was a very hard decision, but she was just “wiped out and taking some much-needed time off.” Burchard was quick to say there was no ill will or conflict—she just needed a break. She mentioned she’ll be doing lots of traveling (she was looking into Paris flights where we spoke), spending some time with her family, and then figuring out what’s next. (You might see her helping out her boyfriend Spencer O’Meara at Paragon events in the upcoming ballgame season.) Her replacement is reportedly a sous chef from St. Helena’s Martini House, and executive chef Staffan Terje will be closely training and overseeing him.

Barbacco            - 230 California St. San Francisco - 415-955-1919

Rose Pistola Reopens Wednesday

I literally got this news minutes before my post time, so here are the salient points: ROSE PISTOLA is reopening on Wednesday February 16th. There is an updated interior by original architect Cass Calder Smith, and a re-worked menu by new executive chef Mark Gordon (Terzo, Rose’s Café); Pablo Estrada remains in his position as chef de cuisine—he has been in the kitchen since Rose Pistola opened in 1996. New items on the menu include an expanded sandwich menu at lunch, and a daily baked pasta at lunch and dinner. New manager Lisa Robins (formerly Rubicon and Marché) will collaborate on the wine list with Mark Gordon. 532 Columbus Ave. at Green, 415-399-0499.

Mission Beach Cafe No Longer Opening at 18th and Guerrero

Looks like the corner space (doubling as a revolving door) at 18th Street and Guerrero is back on the market again—owner Bill Clarke of MISSION BEACH CAFE has withdrawn his plans in that location (unfortunately one of the primary investors fell through). Clarke is going to continue his quest for a new second space and investor. (Looks like the former tenant’s moniker Ebb & Flow was an apt one.) 598 Guerrero St. at 18th St.

Spire in SoMa (Temporarily) Closed

As of today, SPIRE RESTAURANT & BAR in SoMa has temporarily closed for renovations and re-concepting: “We mainly want to make the space more comfortable, where our guests can sit and hang out.” They expect to reopen after the end of March/April, which is when the ballgame season returns. Interested parties can follow their progress on Twitter. 685 3rd St. at Townsend.

Bissap Baobab's New Location

I received word yesterday that BISSAP BAOBAB will be relocating around the corner to where Bollyhood is now, on 19th Street, and will be able to provide live music and entertainment. Owner Marco Senghor is buying the new location, and anticipates the changeover will all be happening in the next 90 days or so. Until the move, Bissap Baobab will be open for business as usual, Tue-Sun 5:30pm-11pm. 2323 Mission St. at 19th St., 415-826-9287.

2G Japanese Brasserie Now Open

Now open in the Opera Plaza Center is the previously mentioned 2G JAPANESE BRASSERIE from Jason Tsuji. The executive chef is Hidetoshi Nambu, trained in Japan (he came to America with owner Jason’s grandfather to open a restaurant in San Francisco over 30 years ago), working with executive sushi chef Sasaki Masaki (best name ever).

A look at the dinner menu reveals starters like chawan mushi and hamachi kama (yellowtail collar); along with a variety of sushi and nigiri (plenty of unsustainable fish choices in there, from ankimo to salmon to unagi); and an array of tempura ($2-$5) and yakitori, including some more outré picks, like horumon (beef intestine), sweetbread (“top of beef neck”), and tontoro (pork neck), along with more known skewers like soriresu (chicken oyster), negima (chicken thigh and scallion), and kawa (chicken skin), all $3-$8. As for the brasserie-influenced dishes, there are some picks like lamb chops, short ribs, and other fusion-y dishes ($18-$33) that definitely made me raise an eyebrow. The breakfast menu is also chock full of “I’ve never seen that before” dishes, like eggs Benedict and uni (although I would try matcha French toast). Parking validation is available for up to one hour, anytime after 4pm. Open Mon-Thu 7am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12am, Sun 7am-10:30pm. 601 Van Ness Ave. at Golden Gate (Suite F in Opera Plaza), 415-292-9997.

Sunday Brunch Launches at Twenty Five Lusk

This Sunday February 20th, TWENTY FIVE LUSK is launching Sunday brunch from 11am-2pm. Some dishes on chef Matthew Dolan’s menu include a twist on steak and eggs, with braised short ribs, two organic eggs any style, and marinated tomato salad ($14); smoked trout with pickled onion relish, wild sturgeon caviar, brioche, and dill emulsion ($13); pancakes with Vermont maple syrup ($11); and duck confit scramble with yellowfoot chanterelle, baby spinach, fromage blanc, and dried cherries ($12). Or, you can have a smoothie if you’re trying to watch your figure. And there’s a full bar, so some hair-of-the-dog cocktails can be yours. This might be the one time you can visit the restaurant without having to deal with the velvet rope.

Twenty Five Lusk            - 25 Lusk St. San Francisco - 415-495-5875

New Location of Beautifull! Opening in the Castro

One of my tablehopper readers noted that the Gold’s Gym Castro’s Power Up Cafe was gone, and a new (and third) location of BEAUTIFULL! was taking its place. Grub Street has further intel, saying it hopes to open within a month. 2301 Market St. at Noe.

Burger, Bourbon, and Beer Deal at Fifth Floor

It’s hard to find anything wrong with this deal: come to the bar/lounge at FIFTH FLOOR and you can get a burger, a shot of Buffalo Trace bourbon, and a Lagunitas IPA for $25. The burger is served with Comté cheese, bourbon-braised onions, and a spread that’s made up of tomato syrup and aioli. This particular combo will be available Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm until the end of March, when the pairing will change.

Fifth Floor            - 12 4th St. San Francisco - 415-348-1555

How to Score a $5 Pizza and $5 Margarita: Through Facebook!

A couple Facebook offers you should “like”—anyone who likes RISTOBAR on Facebook can enjoy a pizza for $5 (normally $10-$12 each) anytime from Sun-Wed. during the month of February. 2300 Chestnut St. at Scott.

And on Tuesday February 22nd, National Margarita Day, MAYA RESTAURANT in SoMa is offering any of their signature margaritas for $5 all day in the dining room to their Facebook fans and Twitter followers. Guests just have to show on their mobile phone that they are a fan/follower to receive the $5 price. Maya will also be hosting their “Tequila Tuesdays” tasting series, with Tequila Centinela from the Arandas Valley in Mexico. $10 includes three large tequila tastings, a margarita, and bar bites from the menu. Reservations are not required, but  are recommended and can be made at 415-543-2928. The tasting begins at 6:30pm. 303 2nd St. at Harrison.

Sunday: It's Time for Beef, Butchery, and Belgian Beer

On Sunday February 20th, David Budworth, aka “Dave the Butcher,” is presenting a second annual Evening of Butchery and Belgian Beer at LA TRAPPE CAFE in North Beach. Dave will be joined by Chris Arentz, trained by Dario Cecchini in Panzano, Italy, along with Josh Kleinsmith from Piedmont Meats in Oakland, and Zach Gero from the Shopper’s Corner butcher shop in Santa Cruz. Dave and Chris will each be breaking down a hind quarter of locally pastured beef in their respective personal styles illustrating the butchering differences between the States and Italy.

There will be a set menu of Belgian, Italian, and U.S. beef dishes created by Dave, Chris, and chef Fai Visuthicho of La Trappe. All menu items will be paired with a Belgian beer. Tickets are $120 per person, and include a range of appetizers and beer. Limited to 40 people. Buy tickets. 3pm onward. 800 Greenwich St. at Columbus.

Meatpaper's "Food & Thought" Series Continues at SFMOMA

On Thursday February 24th (from 6pm-8pm), Meatpaper is back on the SFMOMA rooftop for a FOOD & THOUGHT night of themed tastings from local chefs (Jake Des Voignes of Local Mission Eatery, Eddie Lau of The Summit SF, and Evan Rich of Coi), Leah Rosenberg and Tess Wilson of Blue Bottle Coffee, wine by Scribe Winery, and beer from Trumer Pils. Tasting plates $5. The rooftop event is free with half-price museum entry. (Free for SFMOMA members.)

Here’s the delicious-sounding menu: Evan Rich of Coi • pasture: beets roasted on hay with fresh cheese and wild sprouts and flowers

Eddie Lau of The Summit SF • the edible garden: espresso mole “dirt,” baby radish, minutina, and flowers

Jake des Voignes of Local Mission Eatery • tete de cochon, pickled quail eggs, wild mushroom dust, and preserved Meyer lemon and shallot suspension

Leah Rosenberg & Tess Wilson of Blue Bottle • lemon tart: based on Dutch still life with lemon tart and engagement calendar by Paul Wonner

You can read about the SFMOMA: Now Playing exhibit and performance that evening here, which runs from 6pm-9:45pm (there will be two performances, at 7pm and 9pm).

Some Cool Upcoming Cooking Classes

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, the COOKING SCHOOL AT CAVALLO POINT is hosting some unique classes, including In My Kitchen: Ayurvedic Journey to the Soul with Nalini Mehta on Saturday February 19th (1pm-5pm), $125 plus tax; and on Wednesday February 23rd, it’s SF Food Cart Wednesday with Azalina’s Handmade, a hands-on class featuring some incredible-sounding Malaysian dishes, like Rendang Ayam (Marin Sun Farms chicken cooked with cinnamon and star anise). 6pm-8:30pm, $65 plus tax.

For those of you who sometimes wish my family would adopt you, you can come to PURCELL MURRAY this Saturday February 19th for an event with Rosetta Costantino, of the recently released cookbook, My Calabria, Rustic Family Cooking from Italy’s Undiscovered South. The afternoon will include demos, conversation with Rosetta, and tastings of recipes that include polpette di melanzane (crispy eggplant “meatballs”), pan-fried sausage and broccoli rabe, potatoes and artichokes served with roasted lamb, and torta di noci (flourless walnut cake). $45. Call 415-330-5557 to reserve your space. 11am-1pm. 185 Park Lane, Brisbane.

It's Time to Get to Homeroom (in Oakland)

And now, an East Bay report from tablehopper intern Daniel Azarkman: It sounds like a foodservice fairy tale. HOMEROOM started as a conversation at a café between two people who didn’t know each other all that well. Though Erin Wade had worked as a cook in New York and Allison Arevalo kept a popular Berkeley-based food blog locallemons.com, neither had been on the administrative side of a restaurant. The pair felt strongly about the importance of locally-sourced cuisine, while agreeing on the need to make it more accessible. So, they thought, what could be less pretentious than mac and cheese?

They put together a repertoire highlighting different California cheeses and meats, and began by peddling their stuff from booths at events like the SF Underground Market. Meanwhile, they found a run-down space in Oakland and put their husbands to the task of building tables out of salvaged wood from Sequoia High School (architects Merites Abueg and Keith Morris may have helped out with the interior as well). The result is a whimsical nod to the American classroom aesthetic, complete with a chalkboard menu and a library catalog for storing your frequent-patron card.

After a hectic year, Homeroom will finally open for lunch on Tuesday February 15th, and will start serving dinner once they feel all is running smoothly. The owners held a pre-opening party on Saturday to thank the neighborhood for putting up with them, and to give people like me something to write about. I sampled three dishes that were surprisingly different considering they were all mac and cheese. First there was the Trailer Mac with an uncharacteristically complex cheddar, bits of Niman Ranch hot dog, and crumbled potato chips. The Mexican Mac came in an assertive chipotle-jack sauce, with loose chorizo from nearby Star Meats, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge. My favorite of the night, though, was a riff on the Roman dish cacio e pepe—perfection with little more than a sharp pecorino and some sharper cracked black pepper. The cacio e pepe is February’s featured Exchange Student, Homeroom’s one chance a month to bring in a special cheese from abroad. These and seven other baked pastas in béchamel (vegan and gluten-free variations among them, using quinoa pasta and a gluten-free roux) will be on the opening menu, along with a few vegetable sides, salads, and homemade sweets.

Aside from the grown-up flavors, the menu breaks away from your nostalgic childhood standards in suggesting a beer and wine pairing for each mac dish. All beverage options are local, and most are produced on a small scale, like the Boeger tempranillo  and Drake’s hefeweizen. There are even a couple of beer-based concoctions like ‘The Professor’ (half Pilsener, half lemonade), and a beer float using the super-bitter Old Rasputin Imperial Stout and Three Twins organic ice cream. For now there aren’t any chairs at the bar, which they’re also using as an overpass and a cashier stand, but single diners (and drinkers) can enjoy a seat at the rather large communal table. Open Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, and Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 400 40th St. at Shafter, Oakland, 510-597-0400.

the sponsor

This Round Is On Me... (hey, thanks!)

(Sponsored): A Special Collection of Photographs at Lost Art Salon

This month, Lost Art Salon is debuting a collection of over 250 original mid-century photographs by noted American photographer Roz Joseph. Her 1960s European subjects often draw comparisons to the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, and her abstracted cityscapes of 1970s San Francisco were far ahead of their time.

The entire collection of photographs and her story can be viewed on Lost Art’s website. Unframed works range in price from $185 to $345, and can be affordably shipped anywhere in the U.S. Add your name to their email list, and they will keep you posted on newly discovered collections and upcoming events.

Like Lost Art on Facebook.

the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Party with BridgePort Brewing Company and Morgan Maki (Bi-Rite)

Beer. Salumi. What more do you need? This Friday February 18th, BridgePort Brewing Company, Oregon’s oldest craft brewery, will be introducing two new brews, CAFÉ NEGRO and KINGPIN, at OTIS LOUNGE. Bi-Rite butcher and charcutier, Morgan Maki, will be pairing a number of small bites with the two new beers. Entry to this event is free with beer samples at a minimal cost to guests. 6pm-9pm. 25 Maiden Ln. at Kearny.

"Meet the Winemaker" Fridays at Miss Pearl's Jam House in Oakland

The East Bay Vintner’s Alliance (EBVA) has kicked off a new weekly “Meet the Winemaker” tasting series at MISS PEARL’S JAM HOUSE, inside Jack London Square’s Waterfront Hotel. Every Friday evening, the EBVA will pour complimentary wine tastings of their finest wines, served with complimentary light bites provided by the restaurant. Upcoming wineries include: February18th: Cerruti Cellars/Tudal Family Winery, February 25th: Andrew Lane Wines, March 4th: Stage Left Cellars, March 11th: Irish Monkey Cellars, and March 18th: Ehrenberg Cellars. You can get your weekend started early every Friday from 5pm-6pm. 1 Broadway at Water St., Oakland, 510-444-7171.

Get Schooled on Booze at the Boothby Center

THE BOOTHBY CENTER FOR THE BEVERAGE ARTS has a variety of upcoming education events, like 1 Bourbon, 1 Scotch and 1 Beer (make that 15 beers and 15 whiskies) on Saturday February 19th; a Mixology 101 Class on Wednesday February 23rd and another on Wednesday March 23rd, when you’ll learn all about making martinis, Manhattans, mojitos, and margaritas, taught by H. Joseph Ehrmann. Times and cost vary. 1161 Mission St. Suite 120 at Julia (between 7th and 8th St.).

A Couple Events with Randall Grahm in San Francisco

You have two chances next week to hang out and taste wine with the illustrious Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyards. He will be in town on Tuesday February 22nd for a book signing/tasting at Spuntino at 1957 Union Street ($10) from 5:30pm-6:30pm, and then over at OTTIMISTA ENOTECA-CAFÉ for a wine pairing dinner from 6:30pm on.

The dinner event has a reception at 6:30pm, and dinner starts at 7pm. Six courses of food and wine pairings will be punctuated with Randall’s musings on wine, the deliberate shrinking of the Bonny Doon brand, and his new book, Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. $100, plus tax and gratuity. To RSVP, call 415-674-8400. Read more about both events here.

               Tuesday Feb 22, 2011 more info

Ottimista Enoteca-Café            - 1838 Union St. San Francisco - 415-674-8400

Farmers Market Happy Hour Coming Up on February 23rd

The Center for Urban Education About Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) and the Northern California Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) are kicking off the 2011 FARMERS MARKET HAPPY HOUR SERIES at the Ferry Building on Wednesday February 23rd from 5:30pm-7:30pm. I’m a fan of these events, which highlight talented local bartenders doing their thing with fresh Ferry Plaza Farmers Market produce and ingredients. The February event’s theme is all about winter citrus, so expect to taste kumquats, pomelos, Meyer lemons, mandarins, and blood oranges.

Participating bartenders include: Brian McGregor from the soon-to-open Locanda (which means you are getting a sneak peek of the cocktails that will be there!), Kyle Ford from Rye, Stuart Green from Beretta, Kevin Deitrich from Burritt Room, Josh Perez from 15 Romolo, Michael Callaghan from Azul, Kristin Almy from Charanga, Patrick Brennan from Prospect, Brian Means from Chow in Danville, and Tiffany Kramer from Blackbird.

For $35, guests will get two full-sized signature cocktails made with Campari, one a twist on the classic Negroni, the other an original creation. (Both drinks will be made by the bartending team behind Locanda.) You also get to taste 10 sample-sized drinks made with winter produce in combination with 42 Below Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, FAIR Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, King’s Ginger, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Siete Leguas Tequila, St. George Whiskey, Templeton Rye Whiskey, and VeeV Açaí Spirit.

And to keep you from keeling over, Locanda executive chef Anthony Strong will create two appetizers to accompany the full-sized drinks, giving guests a sneak-preview of the upcoming food as well. Other hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Fifth Floor, 15 Romolo, Beretta, and Il Cane Rosso. Buy your $35 ticket here. All proceeds benefit CUESA and the USBG equally.

               Wednesday Feb 23, 2011 5:30pm–7:30pm $35 more info

Wreck Room Opens Wednesday

R Bar owners Tod Alsman and Chris Fogarty have finished the long haul of transforming the Nob Hill Tavern Sports Bar into the newly opened WRECK ROOM. Eater reports the bar will be open for its regular business hours of 4pm-2am as of tomorrow (Wednesday). Also mentioned: “the bar now boasts a pool table, the aforementioned pop-a-shot and shuffleboard, 10 new TVs, a jukebox and the jet black exterior paint job you see above. There’s also a surprisingly plush women’s bathroom.” You can read the reason for the ABC-related delays and more here. 1390 California St. at Hyde.

the socialite

Shindigs, Feasts, & Festivals (let's party)

YBCA Returns with Bay Area Now 6, Part I: Ideas

Event Info

Saturday Feb 19, 2011 1pm–4pm Free Info                        YBCA Forum 701 Mission St., San Francisco 415-978-ARTS (2787)

Hey, you tired of just expanding your stomach and want to expand your mind too? As part of its Bay Area Now 6 event, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is hosting a series of six roundtable conversations highlighting six areas of influence: food, futurism, community activism, radical identities, environment, and technology. The first forum, FROM PRODUCE TO PRODUCTION: New Traditions in Bay Area Food Culture, focuses on food with guest speakers Bryant Terry, Novella Carpenter, and Leif Hedendal. Join the conversation on Saturday February 19th from 1pm-4pm in the YBCA Forum.

YBCA executive director Kenneth Foster will lead a thought-provoking discussion with local food luminaries Terry, Carpenter, and Hedendal. Terry is an eco-chef and activist from Oakland whose work and writing reconciles contemporary thinking with old practice. His recent book Vegan Soul Kitchen re-examines soul food traditions with innovative recipes and political grace. Carpenter, author of Farm City, is a journalist and farmer, who for 10 years has been transforming her Oakland vacant lot property into a flourishing urban environment. Hedendal is a self-educated chef who got his start at Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona before returning to the San Francisco Bay Area to cook under an exiled Tibetan monk and then at Greens and Oakland’s Citron. He’s also chef and founder of Dinner Discussions and Secret Dinners, Bay Area culinary events which combine art and food.

Read more here about the Bay Area Now 6 conversations with artists and thought leaders examining the Bay Area’s unique contributions to experimentation and innovation in food, environmentalism, futurism, community activism, radical identities, and technology. The events are free and will also be podcast on the YBCA website, and the public is invited to observe and participate in post-event conversations with the artists and guest speakers.

Two Special Places to Celebrate Black History Month

Event Info

Tuesday Feb  1, 2011 – Monday Feb 28, 2011

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH and a great time to try some special celebratory menus available only this month, with wine pairings that honor African American winemakers.

Owner/executive chef David Lawrence and his wife/co-owner Monetta White of 1300 ON FILLMORE in the historic Fillmore Live Music District are presenting a special “soulful American” menu with wine pairings from four African American-owned and operated wineries. Here’s their Black History Month menu ($65, with wine pairing flight $95): first course: mache salad with Dungeness crab, shaved fennel, and apple-blood orange aioli with 2009 sauvignon blanc, Everett Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Dry Creek Valley; second course: potato and smoked ham hock beignet, black trumpet mushrooms with 2007 pinot noir, 1300, Chef Cuvée David Lawrence, Sonoma; entrées: crispy skin Loch Duart salmon-Meyer lemon confit, sweet potato risotto, Swiss chard, red wine thyme glaze, or grilled rib-eye steak, yukon gold potato hash, tarragon béarnaise sauce, with 2006 cabernet sauvignon, Brown Estate, Napa Valley; and dessert: handcrafted petits fours and truffles, housemade sorbet with 2005 Esterlina port, Sonoma County.

In the East Bay, Oakland’s PICÁN is also celebrating Black History Month with a special menu: a four-course Gulf Coast dinner paired with wines made by Black winemakers Black Coyote, Brown Estate, and Vision Cellars. After touring the Gulf Coast region with White House chef Cristeta Comerford, executive chef Dean Dupuis developed this four-course menu inspired by the cuisine of the Gulf Coast. Here’s his Black History Month dinner menu ($75): southern ceviche (wild Gulf flounder crudo with coconut milk, sugar cane, soy and olive oil) with 2008 sauvignon blanc, Black Coyote, Napa Valley; Louisiana blue crab stuffed shrimp with hearts of palm, hollandaise, and hot sauce with 2009 chardonnay, Brown Estate ‘Chiles Valley’; cast iron-seared bobwhite quail with crawfish jambalaya, “all day” greens, pot liquor, and bacon/garlic jelly with 2008 pinot noir, Vision Cellars, Sonoma County; and mini old-fashioned coconut cake with sweet mango buttermilk “lassi.”

the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

The Law of the Land

There were some tweets last week with sightings of actor Jude Law filming scenes from the upcoming film Contagion in SoMa (here’s a pic of him at SFMOMA, and some creepy on-set pictures here). Jude also dined in a private dining room at Spruce with director Steven Soderbergh.

Bromance: Clive Owen and Lars Ulrich on the Town

Hottie actor Clive Owen—presumably in town for the filming of Hemingway & Gellhorn with Nicole Kidman—was spotted with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich in Harry Denton’s Starlight Room (not together) last Wednesday, but then two nights later, they were spotted together having drinks in the lounge at Twenty Five Lusk. New drinking buddies?

Danny, Wine, and Thou

According to a tweet, Danny Glover dined at Waterbar with his wife on Valentine’s Day.