There are changes afoot at EPIC Roasthouse—as of today, Wednesday May 27th, the restaurant will be known as EPIC STEAK, and chef Parke Ulrich will create a new menu built around an open-fire grill. New dishes include a A5 Miyazaki Wagyu steak, or the “EPIC meal for two,” which is pretty much guaranteed to give you meat sweats: it includes a 32-ounce tomahawk rib steak and a two-pound lobster. In addition to the menu changes, sommelier Petra Polakovicova, who originally developed the restaurant’s wine list, has returned to create an all-new list to pair with the new menu. Later this summer, look for a new outdoor patio for enjoying bay views. 369 The Embarcadero at Folsom, 415-369-9955.
Local mini chain TOAST is now open in West Portal in the former Village Grill, according to Yelp reports. In addition to a dining room serving breakfast and lunch, there is also a coffee and pastry counter in front for a quick bite. 160 West Portal Ave. at Vicente, no phone yet.
A couple of weeks ago I swung by XIAN GOURMET on Geary for dinner, and there was a sign on the door that they were closed for a break. Wah wah. And now it’s revealed, thanks to to ever-observant Chowhounds, that it has a new name, SAN DONG BEST. The shift appears to be a bit of a refocus or rebranding, since the spot was known as San Dong House before it became Xian Gourmet. Anyway, it appears they are still offering hand-pulled noodles, housemade dumplings, and there is no indication that ownership has changed. UPDATE: According to Full Noodle Frontity, the blog run by one of the most observant Chowhounds out there, ownership has in fact changed. San Dong Best is actually the sister restaurant of Shandong Deluxe on Taraval. Apparently, the handmade lamb noodles are quite good. 3741 Geary Blvd. at Arguello, 415-668-5888.
Ruben Donze is opening a second location of his popular Dogpatch shop, LA FROMAGERIE, in the Financial District, Hoodline reports. The new location will offer a tight selection of salads and cheesy sandwiches on Firebrand bread, including an aged Gruyère with ham and cornichons. Meats and cheeses will also be available for retail purchase, and a beer and wine license is in the works as well. The plan is to open in July. 101 Montgomery St. at Sutter.
Liang pi noodles at Xian Gourmet/San Dong Best. Yelp photo by Susy C.
