Between school letting out for summer, tourism picking up a tick, and the recent crowds here for the Golden Gate Bridge birthday celebration – not to mention the dazzling firework display – things on Chestnut seem to be picking up!
It didn’t take long for the former Persepolis Designs space on Chestnut Street to reopen as another boutique dress shop called Fichu Bridal Gowns & All Occ-asions. The space was quickly renovated and brightened up a bit, but otherwise remains the small intimate setting it was before, ideal for one-on-one design consultation and fittings. Hours of operation are Tuesday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11a.m. to 4 p.m., and after hours by appointment.
Fichu: 2417 Chestnut (at Divisadero), 415-264-2790, www.fichu.us
Irving Street Pizza re-opened just before the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary and the tiniest pizza joint in the Marina has been fittingly rechristened as Hole in the Wall Pizza. Same great New York-style pizza available by the slice, plus salads and sandwiches and, of course, home delivery. Late-night hours run until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and now a model train circling the small space will keep the kiddies entertained too.
Hole in the Wall Pizza: 3244 Scott Street (between Chestnut and Lombard), 415-775-2583
Speaking of small spaces, just around the corner on Chestnut, the AMA Fashion Store has quietly closed. A popular women’s clothing and accessories shop, no information is available yet on what might take its place, nor are any For Lease signs visible. So for now it’s a bit of a mystery. In the meantime the AMA website remains active.
AMA: www.amafashionstore.com
But never fear, women’s fashion still thrives on the street as further down Chestnut near Steiner, Brandy Melville has opened in the former Pure Beauty space. With one of the most expansive storefronts on the street for a smaller retailer, you can do plenty of window shopping before even setting foot in the door. Opening their first store in the U.S. in 2008, this Italian-based clothing store has become a favorite of fashionistas and Hollywood celebrities, with stores worldwide in Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Paris, San Diego, and Trento. Brandy Melville’s styles range from loose fitting, off-shoulder tees to soft angora sweaters and stylish dresses and tops. Women of every age can find something at Brandy Melville to fit their style, closet and budget. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Brandy Melville: 2085 Chestnut (near Steiner), 415-292-7442, www.brandymelvilleusa.com
Blackwood, in the former Chilayo space on Chestnut, is now set to open the second week of June. The exotic looking build-out, with a larger fireplace and renovated front covered patio, will be offering American–Thai fusion cuisine with plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner service seven days a week. No website or hours of operation set as of yet, but the owners are excited to meet their new neighbors in the Marina, so stop on in!
Blackwood: 2150 Chestnut (near Pierce), 415-931-9663
