The neighbors in the Upper Haight and Cole Valley who happened to like the smell of bacon from BACON BACON will be happy to know the café got permission to reopen (news via NBC). Owner Jim Angelus will just need to update the ventilation system and a few other things. Look for a reopening very soon. In the meantime, Bacon Bacon will continue to be popping up at Brick & Mortar and using their kitchen as their commissary kitchen for the truck. And this hopefully concludes the Bacon Bacon saga reporting. 205A Frederick St. at Ashbury, 415-571-8516.
There is now an indiegogo fundraiser page in effect for The Tamale Lady (Virgina Ramos) to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Mission. Since she is no longer allowed to sell her tamales at some of her regular haunts, either she was going to need to find a certified kitchen to make her tamales, or have her own place. She just turned 60, and you can imagine she’s tired of the schlep from bar to bar late at night; having a restaurant is a way for her to have something to pass on to her kids. Kick down a little dough for the lady who saves you with her masa! Every dollar helps.
Coming to Bernal Heights is LITTLE BEE BAKING in the former Rock Candy Snack Shop from Stacie Pierce, previously a pastry chef at Chez Panisse (via Bernalwood). On the menu: “ice cream treats, fruit tarts, cookies, and cakes. Little Bee will also offer take home and bake cookie and tart doughs, special occasion cakes, cupcakes, candies and tarts.” You’ll be able to try items like a Santa Rosa plum tart, cookies like ginger snaps and rosemary-cornmeal, and ice cream sandwiches, plus Four Barrel Coffee. Look for an opening after Labor Day. 521 Cortland Ave. at Moultrie.
In Hayes Valley, the BLUE MUSE on Grove now has MUKA in its place, the wine and dessert bar that started in the Alliance Français on Bush. Hayeswire reports that owner Jean-Luc Kayigire will keep both locations open until his lease is up on Bush, and then will transition all his focus to the new location. Look for wines and sweet bites aimed at the ballet- and symphony-going crowd. 370 Grove at Gough, 415-346-7029.
More sweets in Hayes Valley: a former sewing machine shop is transforming into a candy store called PAPABUBBLE. Hayeswire reports that it’s a chain founded in Barcelona, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. They make artisanal handmade candies in fun shapes and colors; no word on an opening date quite yet. 488 Fell St. at Laguna, 415-533-0524.
According to Chowhound, FOUR SEASONS has opened on Larkin. No, not that Four Seasons—this is a Vietnamese place, with a renovated space, serving pho, noodles, and rolls. 721 Larkin St. at Ellis, 415-674-4146.
A reader writes in that there’s a new Hong Kong-style dessert shop and juice bar on Clement, called PINEAPPLE KINGDOM. They’ve got ice cream, egg puffs, and yogurt-fruit drinks. 2960 Clement St. at 31st Ave., 415-379-4090.
ABC activity reveals yet another ramen spot, called SLURP RAMEN. It’s located downtown; no word on details. 710 Commercial St. at Kearny, 415-399-1042.
Tipster Jason B. writes in with some tips: falafel joint AL-FANOOSE in the Lower Haight has papered windows and looks closed. The phone has been disconnected. 531 Haight St. at Fillmore.
Yucatecan restaurant KÚUUP has changed its name to CASTILLO YUCATECO. When we called, it sounded like the ownership has stayed the same, though it was a bit of an ESL situation/our Spanish isn’t stellar. 2052 Mission St. at 16th St., 415-621-5510.
Yelpers report that L’AVENIDA in the Inner Sunset has closed, and the kitchen crew has resurfaced inside TART TO TART. They’re serving Mon-Sat 11am-9pm and Sun 11am-8pm, but it’s a new thing, so call ahead to make sure they’re there. 641 Irving St. at 7th Ave., 415-504-7068.
The interior of Muka. Photo from Facebook.
