Over on the waterfront, celebrity chef Michael Chiarello (Bottega) has opened Coqueta (Pier 5, 415-704-8866), his Spanish project in the former Lafitte. The 84-seat space features an open kitchen, a rustic-chic look (complete with cowhide rugs), views of the water, and an outdoor... Read More
After pestering co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini of Acquerello for weeks about gossip surrounding a second project, I can finally release the details. The Acquerello team (co-owners Giancarlo Paterlini and Suzette Gresham and wine director Gianpaolo Paterlini, Giancarlo’s son)... Read More
Big news swept through the City with the announcement in the Business Times that Tosca Cafe (242 Columbus Avenue) has been saved (owner Jeannette Etheredge reportedly owed $100,000 in back rent and was being evicted). Taking over the legendary location is Ken Friedman and chef Ap... Read More
Good news for S.F.’s Embarcadero (and for his many lady fans): Chef Michael Chiarello of Bottega (Napa), television, book, and NapaStyle fame will be opening a Spanish restaurant called Coqueta in spring 2013 in the former Lafitte space. The Spanish theme will include regio... Read More
At long last — Tony Gemignani finally opened Capo’s on Nov. 16 — a year after the news that he was opening a new restaurant in the former Pulcinella space (641 Vallejo Street, 415-986-8998). Capo’s is going to be quite an anchor on Vallejo Street, with its... Read More
Fans of Ceri Smith and her popular Russian Hill wine shop, Biondivino, have been anxiously awaiting the opening of her new enoteca/wine salon, Et Al. (2255 Polk Street, 415-655-3155). It’s just around the corner from Biondivino and is close to being finished. The classicall... Read More
Big chef change news: chef Ron Siegel is now the executive chef of Michael Mina (252 California Street, 415-397-9222) after eight years at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. I talked with Michael Mina, who is tremendously excited to be working with Siegel again — Mina first hi... Read More
Coming to Laurel Heights: Chez Nico (name subject to change) at 3228 Sacra-mento Street in the Blu clothing store space, with an anticipated opening in early 2013. The restaurant operators are Nicolas and Andrea Delaroque; French-born Nicolas has worked at Manresa, Atelier Crenn ... Read More
A couple of new downtown projects: Machka (584 Wash-ington Street, 415-391-8228) is opening next to Taverna Aventine. A recent press release fills in the details: It’s a Turkish restaurant, and Jocelyn Bulow (Chez Papa Bistrot, Chez Maman, Papito) is consulting. The owner i... Read More
The biggest opening this past month is chef-owner Joseph Humphrey’s Dixie (One Letterman Drive, 415-829-3363) in the Presidio. Humphrey, known for his years cooking at Meadowood and Murray Circle (Cavallo Point), is serving a Southern-influenced menu, letting his Florida ro... Read More