Isn’t it supposed to be summer? So where’s the sun? Where’s the warmth? Ah, San Francisco. I should have gotten used to you after 24 years, but a soggy spring followed by June gloom has just about gotten the best of me this season. True, we are not living in the virtual East Coast sauna, or crisping out in the hotbeds of the Midwest, but a few degrees more … please. It’s good for both the psyche and for business. It’s simple: when the sun shines, the body releases endorphins, which are mood enhancers that in turn generate good spirits. Taken a step further, good spirits translate into dollars; so for those of us on Union Street, or any shopping street relying on walk-by traffic, weather makes a difference. From outdoor and open-air restaurants, to stores that sell sandals and sundresses, to bathing-suit-ready waxing salons, sunglass stores, and yogurt spots, rays are vital.

Having said that, I do know where we live and know that marine layers, fog belts and sudden wind have their own peculiar charm. Nevertheless, a few rays do go a long way. “Here comes the sun,” I sing … oops, “There goes the sun,” I lament a few minutes later.

In addition to the sun, the health of a good shopping neighborhood depends on a mix of elements, not the least being the restaurants that feed it. Thankfully, the new restaurants and food spots in Cow Hollow are all thriving. As for news on new bites? There are plenty, beginning with Tacko, the anticipated hot taqueria, care of Nick Fasanella of Nick’s Crispy Tacos on Polk Street. Though he hasn’t been involved in that location since 2006, Nick’s fingerprint remains strong. Tacos “Nick’s way” have been a regular staple of mine for years, so I’m really excited about anything Nick’s way, and the imprint he’ll make in our own neighborhood. The décor in his new home at 3115 Fillmore has an East Coast vibe, while the mood is West Coast and the flavor South of the Border.

Just a block away, at Atelier Crenn, French-inspired chef-owner Dominique Crenn has created an inventive, artistic and personal home for her distinctive food style. Or is it the other way around? Her artistic and inventive cuisine is as much art as the paintings on the wall within her simply elegant, intimate setting. Any way you look at it, Crenn offers a unique experience in flavors featuring Bay Area locally sourced products. Wine pairings here are perfect, as is the attentive service, making the entire experience a feast for the senses. No wonder she garnered Esquire Magazine’s 2008 Chef of the Year, and a recent win on Iron Chef.

Directly next door to Atelier Crenn is the new wine bar Pe Yale, which means “a glass of wine” in Farsi. The spacious modern-rustic space was created out of sustainable, recycled products. It is warm and inviting from the second you walk in to your last glass of wine … which will not break the bank, by the way. Their extensive wine list is international, their few small bites are good (but should be broadened), and the bartenders are helpful and knowledgeable about their product.

Also new to the neighborhood is Back Yard Kitchen at 2760 Octavia Street, just off Union. The place has been the kiss of death for many before it, but that’s all over now as Back Yard’s takeout sandwiches and salads are a wow! After a sample tasting of several of their offerings, my favorites are currently the Tetherball (sliced roast beef, caramelized onions, horseradish crème, arugula, and garlic and herb boursin cheese) and the Golden Gate (grilled chicken, guacamole, Gruyère, Hobbs Farm bacon, and herb aioli). Oh yes, Brick Yard got their Back Yard (which uses their kitchen) and the whole thing simply works.

As if all of this isn’t enough, future food news on Union includes Unique, the French Bistro, which is still undergoing a major reconstruction in the 1800 block, and Lite Bites, healthful food to go on the corner of Union and Octavia due to open momentarily.

I am loving so much newness and so many food choices now on the street. It both nourishes and nurtures the neighborhood, helping make it a full and lively place to be.

Leslie Drapkin is a co-owner of Jest Jewels on Union Street. E-mail: [email protected]