June 16, 2015 - This week's tablehopper: listen to the music.

This week's tablehopper: listen to the music.                    

You can have quite the indoor picnic at Les Clos. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Howdy friends. I’m relieved this column even went out today: yours truly is in jury duty purgatory this week. I was concerned I’d be waiting for my name to be called while watching the clock crawl in a jury assembly room instead of cranking on this column with associate editor Dana Eastland. Miracle of miracles, I wasn’t called these first two days—thank goddess—but let’s see what shakes out for Friday. Maybe I’ll see you, maybe I won’t. I’m really hoping I will.

Last Friday’s tablehopper and Patz & Hall Taste of Terroir event was a blast. There is nothing like warm gougères just out of the oven paired with a flute of their sparkling brut, let me tell you. We will be reposting pics on the tablehopper Facebook page very soon (and on Patz & Hall’s Facebook page, obviously!). Cheers and thanks to everyone who attended!

Sunday’s opening day for the 78th season of the Stern Grove Festival totally rocked—our picnic game was strong, the Doobie Brothers brought me back to my childhood, and it also helps to have amazing friends who stake out a grassy spot at 7:30am. Be sure to plan at least one day out there with friends this summer, it’s such a fun SF tradition.

Another SF tradition used to be catching a show at Cafe du Nord. And good news: Du Nord is reopening this Wednesday, but we’ll be reporting all the details in our Friday issue (well, hopefully!)—I wanted to be sure we had some pretty pics to show you of the revamped space.

Last week we lost one of our local culinary characters, GraceAnn Walden. I have some updated details: Rene Prado, a close friend of hers, shares that her funeral ceremony will be this Saturday June 20th at 11am at Ascension Episcopal Church (2420 Tuolumne St., Vallejo). He also had this update to share from the Coroner’s Office of Contra Costa that “she was the victim of a heart attack due to complications of her declining health (falling and hitting her head was of no consequence).” I have a feeling there will be many martinis consumed this Saturday in her honor. Big ones.

Raising a glass, Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Meet Myriad Gastro Pub, Opening Tomorrow

A report by Dana Eastland. As previously reported on tablehopper, Trish Tracey of Ramblas and Thirsty Bear has taken over the former Nombe location on Mission Street with her very own project, MYRIAD GASTRO PUB. It’s opening on Wednesday June 17th, serving internationally-inspired pub food. Tracey is all about warm hospitality and wants the menu to be interesting but approachable, so that everyone feels welcome and like they’ll find something to enjoy.

The space, which you may remember from the Nombe days, is made up of two long, narrow rooms, with a bar area on one side and a dining room on the other. The marble bar seats eight, and the bar area also offers tall bistro seating. In the front, burnt orange banquettes line the wall, and a booth for larger groups is tucked into an alcove of windows in front. Tracey worked with designer Jim Maxwell of Architects II (One Market, Gather, Lungomare, Tribune Tavern) on the space, and again the goal was to make it feel inviting, with a bit of an industrial eclectic style. The bar has some warm wood accents, and the kitchen is framed in a rich, moss green tile. The dining room space, on the other side, also has banquettes and a wall lined in a rich brown and floral wallpaper. There is an alcove booth on that side as well.

Tracey is serving as the executive chef, and the menu is full of fun global influences as well as classic American comfort food. The menu is divided into snacks, small plates, and large plates, for bar grazing or full meals. Snacks include deviled eggs with salsa verde, breakfast radish, and crispy shallot ($2 each), or housemade spiced potato chips ($5). Small plates include a BLT tomato soup served with bacon, croutons, herb aioli, and baby arugula ($8), a classic wedge salad ($9), or bone marrow with sherry demiglace, gremolata, and crostini ($11). As for larger dishes, any self-respecting gastropub needs a burger, and they’ve got one of grass-fed beef with Vella jack cheese on a brioche bun and fries ($15). There is also a roasted lamb sandwich ($14) and cochinita pibil pork stew with sour orange, red onion, and green chile tortillas ($19). You can take a peek at the full menu here.

As for the bar offerings, there is a selection of low-proof cocktails using sherry, beer, soju, and other spirits. Again, there’s a little something for everyone, like the light Cubano of Ron Copa Rica, lime, soda, and berries ($11) or the funkier Wayfarer with Cardamaro, amontillado sherry, Commandaria, and bitters ($12). The wine list is international, and includes five bubbly options by the bottle and three available by the glass, as well as a rosé and 15 each of reds and whites by the bottle and seven by the glass. There are six beers on tap, including Sculpin IPA, Drake’s Blonde Ale, and Anchor Flying Cloud Stout, and eight by the bottle. Check out the full drink list right here.

Myriad’s hours are Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. Weekend brunch will be added in July. 2491 Mission St. at 21st St., 415-525-4335.

Starboard SF, a New Kind of Hofbrau, Opening Next Door to Slate

One of our city’s top cocktail slingers, Daniel Hyatt, is finally going to be running his own show at STARBOARD SF. The space was previously a taqueria, Doña Mago, and is just next door to the bar and club Slate, where Hyatt has been working during the past year (he was especially known for his years behind the stick at The Alembic).

Hyatt is partnering with Patty West (owner of Slate Bar) and Suzanne Ray (who used to bartend at The Alembic) on the project, which will be a 49-seat hofbrau, serving a variety of meats, like open-faced turkey sandwiches, French dips, and meaty plates with a variety of sides. It will be similar in format to Tommy’s, but with a bit of a NorCal spin on the ingredients and sourcing. As Hyatt puts it, “It’ll be upscaley but punk rock too.” (Don’t expect things to be too spendy or precious—he wants people to be fed and feel taken care of.)

There will also be special dishes available each night of the week, and “big and friendly” dishes like cassoulet will make appearances at Sunday suppers. Takeout and a late-night menu (like until 3am Thu-Sat) will be available too.

While Starboard will just have a beer and wine license, Hyatt is excited to have a very rosé-centric list, with lots of sparklers (sounds right up my alley) and quality beer too. They are planning to have a window between Slate and Starboard, so they can serve food in the bar in case you really want to get your drink on. Hyatt has been making his mark on the cocktails at Slate (quality drinks that can be executed quickly), and they are tweaking the format as well: it will be less clubby, and moving to in-house DJs and some soul in time (and private events). It’ll be a more comfortable space to hang out in, but still a bit edgy.

Back to Starboard: Hyatt is lining up a consulting chef of note (he can’t reveal who it is just yet) and is considering formatting the staff into an all-kitchen crew who will rotate as servers, kind of like Nojo and Schwa in Chicago (he wants everyone to get paid, and it will help to build a familial vibe).

Timing is looking like late July or early August. We’ll keep you posted on more details as things take shape. 2919 16th St. at S. Van Ness.

Omakase Now Open in SoMa

A new sushi restaurant has opened in SoMa, called OMAKASE. Unsurprisingly, given the name, they are serving omakase-style (chef’s choice) menus exclusively. There is no menu per se, but guests can select the $100, $150, or $200 option, and will be served a corresponding amount of food.

The owner is restaurateur Kash Feng of Live Sushi Bar, Live Sushi Bistro, and Origami Market Restaurant, and he’s brought on sushi chef Jackson Yu to run the kitchen. Yu’s previous experience includes Ukai in Japan, as well as Ebisu and Live Sushi here in San Francisco. Ingi Son of Masa and Morimoto Napa has also been brought on board, and Hoodline reported that Masaki Sasaki (previously of Maruya) is the consulting chef.

The experience is intended to feel luxurious and elegant, with many thoughtful details. Diners are offered glasses of Krug Champagne when they arrive (sounds like someone must have visited Jiro SF), and many of the plates and serving dishes are either Japanese antiques or handmade by potters in Japan. Both sake and wine are available.

As for the food, the menu will change constantly, but many of the ingredients are being flown in from Japan, including fish from Tsukiji Fish Market. The minimalist space seats only 14. The sushi counter is made of yellow cedar, and there are also Douglas fir cabinets and bamboo details throughout.

Omakase is open for dinner Mon-Sat 5pm-9pm; reservations are strongly recommended. 665 Townsend St. at 8th St., 415-865-0633.

Chef News and Moves: Yoni Levy to Outerlands, New Chefs at Aveline and Hecho

We have quite a number of chef shuffles to report on this week, starting with the news that Yoni Levy, most recently at Alta CA, is now leading the kitchen at OUTERLANDS. Eater reports he will be adding some dishes over the coming weeks; Brooke Mosley will continue to rock breakfast, bread, and pastry there.

Yet another executive chef has been named at AVELINE: the original pastry chef, Kaley Laird, is now taking the helm. The menu will be flexible so that dishes can be “allergen-free,” as the press release is phrasing it (many items can easily be prepared so that they’re gluten-free and dairy-free). You can look at her menu here. Sunday brunch will be served as well. Also on board is new GM and beverage director Sarah Knoefler, previously from the Au Bon Repas Restaurant Group (Café Claude, Claudine, Gaspar, and Gitane) and Dosa on Fillmore. 490 Geary St. at Taylor, 415-345-2303.

HECHO has a new chef, Cory Armenta, previously of Fork & Spoon Productions event catering. His new menu has some classics, like pozole and four kinds of quesadillas, and will still reflect local, seasonal ingredients. And then there are nachos a la plancha, tossed in queso, topped with four cheeses, pinto beans, pickled jalapeños, coriander-lime crema, and cilantro (with optional carnitas or carne asada), oh yeah. Weekend brunch has been amped up with double the dishes, and the new 5-6-7 Happy Hour means you can some by Mon-Fri from 5pm-7pm for $5 big Corona beers, $6 quesadillas de queso, and $7 Hecho classico margaritas. 2200 Market St. at Sanchez, 415-926-5630.

Pink Zebra Is Moving On, Changes at Koo, Wexler's Closing, Plus Guddu de Karahi, and More News

Some closures to report on, starting with the end of PINK ZEBRA at Tao Yin. Scoop reports they are only open Thu-Sat from now until their last night, Saturday June 27th. They’re going to look for another location, and in the meantime will be popping up at Namu Gaji on Monday July 13th and 20th. Follow them on their social media channels for updates.

This is going to be a spoonful of unhappiness for some people: we noticed an unexpected ABC license transfer happening at KOO in the Inner Sunset, and it appears owner and sushi chef Kiyoshi Hayakawa is selling the business after being there for 10-plus years. We’ll let you know when we hear back about what exactly is going on. 408 Irving St. at 6th Ave., 415-731-7077.

After six years of making some wicked Scotch eggs (and wings!) in the Financial District, WEXLER’S is closing after their last service on Friday June 26th. Scoop reports owner Matt Wexler is putting the space on the market soon and is looking forward to having more time to spend with his two boys. No word on what’s next for the talented chef Charlie Kleinman.

A tablehopper tipster alerted me that the windows of GUDDU DE KARAHI in the Sunset were papered over, and Yelpers also noticed the closure. Considering what a disaster service continued to be in the location, I’m not surprised to hear it closed (although Guddu made some mightily tasty dishes, including his trademark tandoori fish). It’s a shame he couldn’t get it together. A new liquor license just hit the wires for a business with the DBA of A Desi Cafe. 1501 Noriega St. at 22nd Ave., 415-759-9088.

SoMa pregame outpost NOVA is now closed as of this past weekend, and Scoop noted Ezra Berman and Miles Palliser (Corner Store, San Francisco Athletic Club) have plans for the space; the duo told Hoodline they hope to open by the end of July, serving their formula of higher-end cocktails and food. 555 2nd St. at Bryant.

Lastly, Tenderloin curry outpost KARE-KEN closed this past weekend. Eater points out the goodbye letter from owner Ryan Lee about the closure, who also wants to spend more time with his family, even though business always seemed to be pretty strong. 552 Jones St. at Geary, 415-292-5273.

One piece of relieving news: TOMMY’S JOYNT (since 1947!) is getting a new owner (SF native Chris Henry, who owns Barrel House in Sausalito), but he won’t be changing a damn thing. Exhale… 1101 Geary Blvd. at Van Ness, 415-775-4216.

Tidbits: Split Bread, More Smitten, Bom Dia Kitchen, The Soap Box Cafe, More

The team behind Mixt Greens has opened their second location of sandwich stop SPLIT BREAD. With this location, chef and partner Andrew Swallow is introducing a breakfast menu, in addition to the lunch menu of salads and sandwiches. There are breakfast sandwiches, of course, including the Jersey breakfast sandwich with fried egg, Jersey ham, American cheese, and ketchup. There is also a yogurt parfait, avocado toast, and pastries. Coffee is from Four Barrel, and hours are Mon-Fri 6am-8pm. 560 Mission St. at 2nd St., 415-296-8009.

Just in time for summer, SMITTEN ICE CREAM is opening their second San Francisco location in Pacific Heights on Wednesday June 17th. SFoodie got a tour of the space and lots of details on the opening, including some new design features. This new space has six of their special Brrr Machines for freezing ice cream with liquid nitrogen and will also feature an outdoor garden with string lights, benches made of Radio Flyer wagons, and a living wall. When they open, the seasonal flavor will be strawberry white balsamic, with nectarine and cream coming up soon. 2404 California St. at Fillmore, 415-872-9414.

Since opening their Outer Richmond location, Marla Bakery closed their Mission outpost, the Marla Kitchen Communal. While this was definitely a bummer for the neighborhood, there’s a new project moving in from the team behind Bom Dia Market in Noe Valley. This one will be called BOM DIA KITCHEN, and they will be using the space in a similar way to Marla. You’ll order at the front window, for takeout only. They’ll be serving breakfast and lunch, with a small menu of housemade items. For breakfast, there will be sandwiches with house-cured bacon, house-baked bagels available with cream cheese and house-cured salmon, and a variety of pastries. You’ll also find coffee from Four Barrel. At lunch, looks for a small selection of seasonal sandwiches and salads that will change every week or so, plus a grain bowl with seasonal toppings. After opening, they may also add a grocery pickup service in conjunction with the market. They currently plan to open by the end of summer. 613 York St. at 18th St.

A fab tipster sent in the news that a new café is coming to Nob Hill, called THE SOAP BOX CAFE. It’s opening in the former Jonas sandwich shop, and the owner, Loan Ly, is opening a banh mi shop in the space. 1800 Hyde St. at Vallejo.

Sweet Aroma, the Vietnamese restaurant in the Marina, has closed, but a new Vietnamese joint has moved in. The new one is called LY’S VIETNAMESE CUISINE, and they are offering standard menu items like bun, pho, and rice plates, along with crab platters. Initial Yelp reports are generally positive, citing good pho broth, fresh spring rolls, and unusual desserts like coffee flan and pandan waffles. Hours are daily 11am-9pm. 1779 Lombard St. at Laguna, 415-563-1927.

The next time you come by 4505 BURGERS & BBQ for some killer ribs, you’ll be enjoying a much more comfortable seating arrangement. The shipping container is now finished and open, offering sheltered seats from our typically windy afternoons, with overhead skylights and lots of plants to keep things feeling organic. There are also heat lamps that have been installed under the overhang that juts off the container, with plenty of communal seating. You’ll notice there’s a beer station in the container, so you don’t have to go back in the main line to get more suds, how handy. And last Monday while I was there for a party, they were smoking a whole pig in the new outdoor smoker, which is going to be a regular thing this summer. Sooooweeeee! 705 Divisadero St. at Grove, 415-231-6993.

The summer bounty is here, and one great way to bask in it is with a CSA farm box from SMIP Ranch. The farm, which is in Woodside, provides beautiful produce for Bacchus Management Group restaurants. Every Friday, an email is sent to CSA customers that includes a list of ingredients for the upcoming Friday box, as well as ordering instructions and sometimes, specialty add-ons. Boxes can be picked up on Fridays from 1pm-6pm at Spruce in San Francisco, The Village Pub in Woodside, and Mayfield Bakery & Cafe in Palo Alto. Email for more details on how to join up and get cookin’!

Cawfee Tawk: Another Blue Bottle, Mason Pacific Starts Café Service, Cafe Mec and Provender Open

The latest BLUE BOTTLE location is opening on Wednesday June 17th on Sansome in the Financial District. The location, which we mentioned last month, is going to be rather large, on par with the Mint Plaza spot. There is a menu of food options, including sandwiches, salads, waffles, oatmeal, and pastries. Of course, Blue Bottle’s espresso and pour-over coffee will also be on offer. Hours are Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. 115 Sansome St. at Bush, 510-653-3394.

Soon you’ll be able to get coffee at the bar at MASON PACIFIC during the day. Monday through Friday from 7am to 2pm they will be serving drip coffee, pour-over, espresso, and cold brew from Mr. Espresso, along with sandwiches and salads from partner business AG Ferrari and pastries from Batter Bakery. Oh, and some of the cutest latte art around. They officially start the new service on Monday June 22nd. No Wi-Fi, however.

On Haight Street, Hoodline reports that a new coffee shop has opened. It’s called CAFE MEC and is serving Four Barrel coffee, espresso, and pastries. Hours are daily 7am-7pm. 1301 Haight St. at Central.

PROVENDER, the Potrero Hill coffee shop we told you about earlier this month, is now open. They are using Sightglass beans and serving sandwiches and pastries. Hours are Tue-Sun 8am-7pm. 1415 18th St. at Missouri.

Pop-Ups: Real Good Fish, Mattarello Pasta with Massican!

A couple of pop-ups you should add to your to-do list: did you notice the CSF giveaway with tablehopper sponsor Real Good Fish last week? The giveaway is over, but if you’re curious about trying their seafood, you should come to their pop-up with Say Hey Farms this Wednesday June 17th at Matching Half Cafe, when they will be serving smoked black cod spring rolls ($9) and a trio of local, seasonal ceviches ($12). Don’t forget, you’ll be able to order from a selection of beer and wine from Matching Half. 4pm-6pm. 1799 McAllister St. at Baker.

Have you ever had the fantastic handmade pasta from Mattarello? They are popping up this Saturday June 20th at BIONDIVINO, and Dan Petroski and Jessica Mennella of Massican wine will be pouring wine during the pop-up (1pm-4pm). Place your preorder for pasta by Thursday, like the raviolo San Domenico, their take on a classic dish from Imola’s Ristorante San Domenico—the filling is a mixture of ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, and spinach, with a raw egg yolk nestled in the center ($7 each). I personally love their meat-filled tortellini in brodo ($12), and there are ricotta cavatelli ($4.50), two kinds of lasagna, and much more! 1415 Green St. at Polk, 415-673-2320.

Series of Special Dinners with Guest Filipino Chefs at Pampalasa This Week

Recently opened Filipino restaurant PAMPALASA is hosting a weeklong series of dinners called Kamayan to celebrate Filipino Independence Day.

Starting Wednesday June 17th, different chefs from around the Bay Area will take a turn in the kitchen, each inspired by a different national hero from the Philippines. On Saturday June 20th, chef Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s will be at the stoves, making her crawfish musubi, and other participating chefs include Tim Luym of The Attic and Thomas Weibull of The Clift. Check out the full lineup here, and get your tickets right here. The dinners are $50 per person. 1261 Folsom St. at 9th St., 415-590-3251.

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the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Mission Bar Shots: Locanda's Awesome Aperitivo Hour, Amnesia Getting New Owners

The next time you’re wondering where to unwind at the end of the workday, or even on the weekend, you’ll want to check out LOCANDA’s aperitivo hour, which is offered daily 5:30pm-7pm (so yeah, that’s actually 90 minutes!). Come by the bar area, and you’ll be able to partake in a classic Italian tradition, which means light cocktails with free bar snacks. You can order a variety of cocktails, like an Aperol Spritz, a Negroni, and their concoction, Church (Aperol, gin, Cocchi Americano, lemon), all for $8. There are also a variety of wines for $6 and a couple of beers for $4.

The best part is the complimentary snacks, like their oxtail supplì, “cacio e pepe” kettle chips, deviled eggs, and don’t miss the roasted peanuts with dried anchovies.

Down the street, news broke that AMNESIA will be getting new owners. After 15 years, Shawn Magee is moving on from his little soulful and jazzy and funky oasis, selling it to the owners of SoMa’s City Beer Store, plus two more partners. Magee’s heartfelt note on Facebook, which you really should read because it’s as charming as hell, mentions he will be doing some farewell shows and is happy the bar is going to be passed on to some very capable hands. Thanks for all the fun nights of music! 853 Valencia St. at 20th St., 415-970-0012.

the socialite

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

Here's to Dad: Father's Day Is Sunday June 21st

Event Info

Saturday Jun 20, 2015 – Sunday Jun 21, 2015

Hooray for Pops! Father’s Day is coming up this Sunday June 21st, and you want to be sure to show Dad a good time! Here are some ways to have fun that are way cooler than just buying him a necktie. Again.

For a grand old British-inspired time, get dad to brunch at THE CAVALIER for a prix-fixe menu with choices, including scones to begin the meal and sweet treats at the finish. They’ve also got special cocktails; brunch is $40 per person not including beverages. Then, in the evening, they have a special $70 roast dinner of prime rib for two, along with Yorkshire pudding and two sides. 360 Jessie St. at 5th St., 415-321-6000.

Is Dad into meat? Yeah? How about platters of pork? CHOP BAR is throwing a party at The Dock at Linden Street in Jack London Square, where they’ll be roasting five whole pigs and serving them with sides like corn bread, salads, and plenty of sauces. Beer and Fernet Branca will be available for $5. Oh, and there’s live music too. The event runs from 4pm to 8pm, and tickets are $20, available at the door. 95 Linden St. at 3rd St., Oakland, 510-834-2467.

If you’d rather celebrate dad on Saturday June 20th, don’t forget about EPIC STEAK’s annual High on the Hog feast from 1pm to 4pm. This party is all about pork, with barbecue and other preparations from EPIC, as well as Homestead, 1300 on Fillmore, Wood Tavern, and Waterbar. The party is also a celebration of pinot noir, with selections from wineries like Domaine de la Côte, Goldeneye, Joseph Phelps, and Beauregard. The Henry Coopers will be providing live music, and the whole event is a fundraiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, which will also be in attendance with puppies to meet and play with. Tickets are $65 per person. 369 The Embarcadero at Folsom, 415-369-9955.

You better be ready for one more pig roast, because that is what’s happening at PRESIDIO SOCIAL CLUB on Sunday June 21st starting at 4pm. The dinner includes a plate of roasted pork, salad, sides, and pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. Dinner is $48 per person, and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant.

If your papa is into the idea of trying a little bit of everything in a beautiful setting, Picnic at the Presidio is the perfect pick. There are food trucks, restaurant stalls, drinks from Rye on the Road, and lawn games for rent. Plus, for Father’s Day you can reserve a special section of the lawn. For $100 you get a reserved blanket on the upper lawn with six Adirondack chairs, plus $50 in vouchers to spend on your vittles. Reserve here. Main Post Lawn, Montgomery St. at Lincoln.

HOMESTEAD in Oakland is offering a three-course prix-fixe on Father’s Day from 4:30pm to 9pm. It’s a prime rib dinner, complete with horseradish salsa verde, roasted potatoes and greens, and a summer berry pie for dessert. Dinner is $55 per person. 4029 Piedmont Ave. at 40th St., 510-420-6962.

If Dad has a sweet tooth and likes beer, consider stopping at SIFT DESSERT BAR for their special dessert Pliny the Half Pint. They’ve partnered with Russian River Brewing to offer the five layers of Pliny the Elder-soaked brown sugar cake and Pliny mousse covered with a spiced orange glaze from Wednesday June 17th through Sunday June 21st. It’s $6, and available only at Sift’s San Francisco and Santa Rosa locations. 2411 California St. at Fillmore, San Francisco, 415-580-3030; 404-A Mendocino Ave. at 5th St., Santa Rosa, 707-703-4228.

the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Joe, Can You Pass Me a Spanish Negroni?

Bay Area sports hero Joe Montana was spotted at Forgery, according to a tweet.

How Big, How Blue, How Delicious

Rock stars Florence and the Machine enjoyed a late dinner at Izakaya Rintaro recently according to a tweet. Apparently, a mutual friend of the band and chef-owner Sylvan Mishima Brackett recommended that they check it out,. It was a mellow night, so they went mostly unnoticed.