While at Taste of the Nation last week, I had a chance to catch up with chef-owner Melissa Perello, who informed me ~FRANCES~ will be temporarily closed from March 31st-April 8th. It will reopening with a new kitchen (they will be gutting the current one), plus there will be some changes to the décor, light fixtures, and colors (there will be a new ceramics installation).
Big congrats to LA FOLIE, which turned 25 over the weekend. I raise my glass of Champagne to the Passots! 2316 Polk St. at Green, 415-776-5577.
So here’s a little more from chef Danny Bowien about the potential and rumored expansion of Mission Chinese Food to Paris. He was just interviewed while he was in Paris for the Omnivore food festival. Sounds like the plans are not in his immediate future (he isn’t locked on a place), but who knows, sometimes things happen out of the blue.
While dining at the ever-charming ~CASSAVA BAKERY + CAFE~ a couple of weeks ago, I learned they are expanding into the office space next door. Exciting! Demo has just started, so I’ll update you on timing later.
CASTAGNA in the Marina suffered a fire on Saturday afternoon. Stand by for news about its reopening—some repairs will need to happen (firefighters reportedly had to open the restaurant ceiling). Thankfully no one was hurt. 2015 Chestnut St. at Fillmore, 415-440-4290.
Also nearby, THE GROVE on Chestnut will be closing in June. Inside Scoop mentions lease renewal issues; owner Kenneth Zankel is going to consider opening another location (he’s currently scouting Dogpatch, Mission Bay, and around the Embarcadero). 2250 Chestnut St. at Avila, 415-474-4843.
Cassava. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
