what’s cookin’
I promise you there are no April Fools’ Day pranks in this column—this is a safe space. I have been grateful to be on my deadline and avoiding all the fake news on social media, it’s wild out there.
Today’s column is going to read like a rundown of quick-fire news bits—I am so weeded right now, and not in the fun 4/20 way. After attending a couple big events and going dancing, I picked up a stupid bug that clipped my wings for a few days last week—I got so behind in my research and email (which has been on 11, oyyyy, so if you’re expecting to hear back from me, please give me a beat). I had no time for that dumb cold going around—boost your ginger and zinc intake now! Thankfully, my sleep and soup regimen worked quickly, so yours truly was back in action this past weekend. I didn’t want to miss the fabulous Hands Please dinner event at Four One Nine on Saturday, and I had some tablehopping planned for Sunday, including saying farewell to the Uma Casa team at their closing party. Sigh.
Thanks to everyone for your kind notes and comments about Charles Phan’s celebration of life last week. It was such a momentous and moving gathering. Whether you were there or not, if you want to show some support for the Slanted Door Group and family, they were accepting donations to help produce and host that huge event, and something I heard through the grapevine is they didn’t quite raise the amount they needed to cover the costs. Here’s a pic of the donation card from the event—you can use the QR codes to donate (any amount helps and I know would be so appreciated 🙏).
Congrats to all the James Beard Foundation 2025 nominees! Yay Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski (State Bird Provisions, The Progress, The Anchovy Bar) for Outstanding Restaurateur; Kosuke Tada, Mijoté, and Richard Lee, Saison, for Best Chef CA; and Jacob Brown, Lazy Bear for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
Cheers to all of you who entered the San Francisco Restaurant Week giveaway! It’s always a blast to give away gift certificates to restaurants. SFRW begins this Friday April 4th, make your reservations now! I share more details below, plus some of my picks of menus that have caught my eye.
This Friday April 4th is also the Giants Opening Day, which means we’ll be seeing more activity in SoMa, including a new lunch menu at KAIYO Restaurant & Bar, with grab-n-go options at their game-day pop-up bodega starting at 4pm, and rooftop specials; and don’t forget Prospect has a great happy hour Monday to Friday 4pm–6pm, with craft cocktails and tasty snacks.
For my fellow music lovers: I’m looking forward to hearing the Tindersticks perform at The Fillmore next Tuesday April 8th—I have never seen them perform live. Did you know they have an album that came out last year, New World? It’s such a moody vibe (as they do). On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, next Wednesday and Thursday (April 9th–10th), Basement Jaxx will be performing at The Regency Ballroom and blowing things up (like my brain). The rhythm, the trax! Get ready to bust a move (and don’t forget your earplugs).
If you’re looking for something chill and interesting to do, take a neighborhood neon walking tour with San Francisco Neon historians Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan! I have taken almost all of their tours, and I learn so much about SF history and pick up cool neighborhood facts every time. Here are upcoming tour links, locations, and dates before they take a break until October: Sat 4/10 Mission-Roxie 7:15 pm; Sun 4/13 Alameda 7pm; Thu 4/16 Lower Nob Hill 7:15pm; Thu 5/1 North Beach 7:15pm; and Sat 5/3 Chinatown 7pm.
Have a great week (bye, rain!).
~Marcia
You Won’t Be Bitter Over the New Brucato Amaro Distillery and Bar Brucato Restaurant and Bar
I missed the preview party for the new Bar Brucato in the Mission last week, but I swung by on Sunday to take a look at the space, which psssst is softly open right now. I’m a huge fan of local amaro maker Brucato Amaro (did you know it’s named in honor of John Brucato, the pioneering paisano founder of the San Francisco Farmers Market?), and it’s exciting to see founders Sierra and James Clark stretch their wings with this new bar, restaurant, tasting room, and distillery.
The multi-level space (designed by Studio BBA) includes the distillery below, which will open for tours at the end of April (sign up for info on Bar Brucato’s site)—visitors will be able to see operations in action, sample key ingredients, and taste a range of distillery-made products. (This is going to be a cool experience for both locals and visitors to the City.) There is also a shop upstairs where you’ll find limited release spirits, custom merch, and bottles to bring home.
The upstairs restaurant and bar has a lofty and light-filled vibe, with natural woods, wicker-backed chairs, a caramel leather banquette, colorful ceramic tiles, and plants that warm up the concrete walls and industrial space (previously the Double Rainbow ice cream factory); there are also whimsical modern globe light fixtures when you first walk in past the AMARO tiled entryway (cute).
You can grab a seat at the bar to enjoy a lineup of drinks featuring Brucato Amaro’s three flagship amari (Chaparral, Orchards, and Woodlands) and choose-your-amaro highballs, as well as new products and limited releases (local cocktail/spirits writer Camper English mentioned they are working on a gin!). Bar and restaurant hours for the soft opening (until April 10th) are Wed–Sun 4pm–9pm, with weekend lunch coming soon. 275 South Van Ness Ave.
Fifty Vara Is Now Open in the Outer Sunset, Offering Welcoming SF Neighborhood Restaurant Vibes
The Outer Sunset has a new neighborhood restaurant, bar, and brewpub that opened last night, March 31st: Fifty Vara. I broke the story about this project from Brian Reccow back in October, so I’m not going to rewrite all the backstory, you can just click that link! But here are some updates, including who the chef is: Adriana Fleming (previously Baia and Saluhall), who worked with consultant Trish Tracey of Myriad Hospitality on the seasonally driven menu. It includes crab and herbed rice fritters; grilled asparagus with buttered breadcrumbs and romesco; and orecchiette with pork sugo, peas, pecorino, and toasted breadcrumbs. Of course, there’s a Vara burger, with cheddar, pickled red onions, fries, and a special Vara sauce for just $21.
Erin Rea is behind the cocktails ($12–$16), with signature drinks like the Golden Hour, a tequila cocktail with California amaro and saffron; and a sangria spritz (vino blanco, Spanish brandy, citrus, spices, bubbles). Since it was formerly Sunset Reservoir, they’re putting the brewing equipment to use with five house-brewed beers from Jonathan Taylor, including a house lager, pilsner, hazy pale ale, West Coast IPA, and black lager ($6–$8). Almost all the wines by the glass are from California, and range from just $12–$14 btg.
The space really came together nicely, with earthy tones, natural woods, coastal vibes, over 40 plants, and custom driftwood-inspired fixtures by Alexis Laurent. The light-filled space will be ideal for future family lunches and brunch, while the evening feels more moody, whether you’re swinging by for a cocktail and snack at the bar, or a pork chop for dinner with friends. There’s plenty of room for groups and gatherings on the two levels. Open Mon–Thu 5pm–9pm, Fri–Sat 5pm–10pm. Lunch and brunch are coming soon. 1735 Noriega St.
New Openings This Week (and Beyond!)
Over in the former Merchant Roots location on Fillmore, SFist brings word of a new, Black-owned pâtisserie that opened a week ago called KC Paris Desserts. Pastry chef Khadidiatou Camara is baking croissants every morning, along with pain Suisse, all kinds of tartlets (lemon meringue, pear-almond, chocolate-caramel, raspberry), éclairs, Paris Brest, chausson aux pommes, mousse cakes, and savory items, like a croque monsieur, French pizzas, and salmon quiche. The cases look full of delights that are designed for individual enjoyment—I am ready to run right over. It’s for takeout only, open Tue–Sun 8am–6pm. 1365 Fillmore St.
It looks like MESKI—the Afro-Caribbean and Ethiopian restaurant and bar from Guma Fassil (of Meskie’s in Berkeley), chef Nelson German (of aLaMar Dominican Kitchen & Bar and Sobre Mesa in Oakland), and four-time NBA champion Draymond Green—is going to be opening on schedule, with a friends and family test dinner this Friday April 4th, and a grand opening on Saturday (reservations here). You can read details in our earlier piece here. Sun–Thu 5pm–11pm, Fri–Sat 5:30pm–12am and 5:30pm–1am at the bar. 1000 Larkin St. at Post.
The Che Fico team will be opening a new Tuscan waterfront restaurant, Via Aurelia, on the ground floor of Visa’s new headquarters in Mission Rock in late summer (first reported by Eater). The Chronicle mentions it will offer a quick business lunch during the day, and will feel more like an upscale and destination experience at night, with tableside service, bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild game (rabbit, boar, and quail), seafood, seasonal vegetables, and a significant list of Tuscan wines. 300 Toni Stone Crossing, Suite A.
Niku Steakhouse Is Temporarily Closed After an Unfortunate Fire
Over the weekend, Niku Steakhouse sadly suffered a fire and has temporarily closed—thankfully no one was hurt. Their post says: “Last night, an unexpected fire occurred within Niku Steakhouse. Fortunately, the situation was contained, and most importantly, everyone remained safe and unharmed. However the damage to our kitchen requires us to temporarily close Niku Steakhouse as we work through this challenging time. During this transition, our priority is ensuring that every member of our team continues to have meaningful work while also making sure our guests are taken care of. We are already putting plans into action to keep our staff working and find alternative ways to serve our guests. The support of our guests and community has always meant everything to us, and right now, it matters more than ever. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and encouragement as we navigate this challenge, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.” For those with existing reservations, the restaurant is reaching out directly. Here’s hoping for a speedy comeback. 61 Division St.
In the Market for Noods
Last week was the opening of Jagalchi, the 75,000-square-foot Korean mega market and food complex, with a hot food counter, meat and seafood counter, restaurant (Pogu), bakery (Basquia), K-beauty section, and much much more at Serramonte Center in Daly City. Take a look at preview pieces in California Eating and SFGATE—it looks like so much fun. Lines has been reportedly pretty long (who wouldn’t want to check out this extremely cool concept?), but I’m hoping that heading over before the (new) closing hour of 9pm may yield some success. 63 Serramonte Center, Daly City.
The SF Chronicle reported T&T Supermarket, Canada’s largest Asian grocery store, is opening next year in the long-vacant Best Buy at the City Center shopping mall at Masonic and Geary. In addition to the market, there will be a variety of prepared food, from dumplings to barbecue, which will provide some new lunch or take-home dinner options for nearby Kaiser employees and residents. Plan for a winter 2026 opening. 2675 Geary Blvd.
Coffee News Around the City
A tablehopper reader forwarded the news to me that Ritual Coffee Roasters is closing their Upper Haight Street location after nine years. Owner Eileen Rinaldi said in her newsletter: “In this unique location, we’ve had a hard time balancing having enough business with maintaining a fully operational café. It’s not because of you, our amazing customers, the surrounding community, or the incredibly creative, organized and dedicated merchant community. It’s just the normal confluence of the many factors of running a small business in a modern city.” Their last day will be Friday April 11th. Ritual’s locations in Hayes Valley and on Valencia Street remain open. 1300 Haight St.
Over at the Ferry Building, you’ll be able to get coffee once again from Red Bay Coffee, now from their new pop-up van on the back plaza for the next six months. Ferry commuters take note: Red Bay is offering a special promotion: order ahead through the Red Bay app and pick up your coffee as soon as you step off the boat.
Nirvana Soul Coffee, a specialty coffee shop in San Jose and Cupertino, has opened a colorful and cheerful location in SoMa. The Black sister–owned business (from Jeronica Macey and Be’Anka Ashaolu) also includes their own roastery in North San Jose: Loring Smart Roaster. Their SF location offers espresso drinks, an extensive variety of specialty lattes (from the Mabuhay Ube to The Golden Child, with golden milk), plus tea drinks (including a banana chai), sweet or savory waffles, and other breakfast items. There’s a counter and a few tables where you can sit. Open Mon–Sat 7am–2pm and Sun 8am–12pm. 242 Townsend St.
San Francisco Restaurant Week Returns April 4th—Here Are Some of My Picks!
Are you ready for San Francisco Restaurant Week (running Friday April 4th through Sunday April 13th, 2025)! SF Restaurant Week brings you brunch, lunch, and dinner options from over 200 restaurants!
Restaurants will offer special prix-fixe menus at one or more of the following price points:
- brunch or lunch (2+ items or courses): $10, $15, $25, $35, $45
- dinner (3+ items or courses): $30, $45, $60, $75, $90
Visit sfrestaurantweek.com to see all participating restaurants and make reservations.
Of course, I have to shout out some Italian spots. Get back to enjoying a business lunch! Over at Perbacco, for $35, you can enjoy asparagus vellutata and their traditional lasagna (a three-course dinner for $60 brings roasted pork shoulder and creamy polenta with braised broccolini and cipolline).
The Milanese-inspired The Tailor’s Son is offering both a $35 lunch and $60 dinner menu—I’m going to try out their spring risotto for dinner (peas, asparagus, mushrooms, pesto, Fontina).
Penny Roma is offering their $75 “dinner party” menu, which is a springtime feast—that dining format is so much fun, grab a friend who loves to eat.
If you’ve been wanting to pay a visit to support Old Skool Cafe and their incredible youth program in Bayview, their $45 dinner menu includes smothered fried Mary’s chicken with Georgia country gravy, and Mama T’s sweet potato tartlets for dessert!
Celebrate Reem’s Tenth Birthday Party with Arab-Style BBQ
the lush
There’s a New Wine Tavern in the Mission Open Late So You Can Finish the Night Strong
I was doing some Mission recon on Sunday, and got to say “hi” to my friend Sarah who’s working at Big Finish, the new wine tavern that recently opened in the former Monk’s Kettle (I wrote about this project back in the fall). Owner Adam Manson has been in the industry for over 25 years (he has been in SF for 11 years), and is excited to be in the Mission neighborhood.
The first thing you’ll notice is the long line of taps: Big Finish is pouring 48 taps of wine from around the world, and keeping things unpretentious and affordable, with the majority running $9–$12 per glass (menu here). Whether you want a crisp finish or a big finish, you can have it all. There are also seven draft beers, and another seven in bottle, plus some creative low-ABV cocktails, and N/A picks.
The space is casual and tavern-y, packed tight with seats at the long bar and wood tables (plus there are sidewalk tables). Open daily 4pm–12am. 3141 16th St. at Albion.
the socialite
It’s Gonna Be a Gay Ol’ Time at Spring Fling on April 13th!
Do you have plans on Sunday April 13th? Openhouse is hosting their annual Spring Fling luncheon and fundraiser at The Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom. Sister Roma will be emceeing the event (fun!), which will honor Juanita MORE! with the GenOUT Award (werq); as well as Anjali Rimi (President of the Center for Immigrant Protection), who is receiving the Trailblazer Award; and other honorees.
Openhouse enables SF Bay Area LGBTQ+ seniors to overcome the unique challenges they face as they age by providing housing, direct services, and community programs. Tickets to this fundraiser start at $325, available here. 11am–2pm. 757 Market St.
