Looking for a new place to try? Here’s your monthly reminder of five new spots that recently opened around town.
Pastry chef Sybil Johnson (previously of Aqua and Kokkari) is opening her own place in the former Chapeau! location in the Richmond. It’s due to open June 14th or thereabouts (follow on Facebook for updates), and will be serving both pastries and savory dishes for lunch and dinner (like baguette sandwiches, salads, and other bites). The name may sound sweet, but the look is edgy and cool. Beer and wine, bonus. 1408 Clement St. at 15th Ave., 415-592-6008.
Mama Ji’s Dim Sum and Dinner
The Castro now has a casual little place where you can get your dim sum on, whether it’s har gow over the weekend, an afternoon snack of potstickers, or siu mai in the evening, plus Szechuan dinner items as well. Hours are 9:30am–9:30pm daily (10pm on the weekends). 4416 18th St. at Eureka, 415-626-4416.
Just on the border of Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and Chinatown is this petite and hot new looker from Jay Thomson and Shannon McTiernan Thomson, with executive chef Sean McTiernan (Rose Pistola, Delfina). The menu has a Cal-French bistro vibe, ranging from brandade and beef tartare (and some mighty tasty-lookin’ fried chicken) to New York strip. Sommelier Eric Railsback’s wine list has some choice selections, including a carafe program with wines made specifically by Copain. Meet your latest date restaurant. 1358 Mason St. at Pacific, 415-374-7185.
The former Seasons restaurant (and bar) at the Four Seasons just underwent a nice revamp by New York–based design firm AvroKO. The bar area is really spacious (with room for 83), with dark oak floors, hunter green and black leather accents, and recycled newsprint wallpaper. Look for some hyper-local cocktails (all of the ingredients were sourced from within 100 miles of San Francisco), punch bowls for your posse, plus small plates and steaks. Of course the burger legacy lives on here. And then there are dishes like soft scrambled egg topped with Fort Bragg uni, uh huh. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, Fifth Floor, 757 Market St. at Grant, 415-633-3838.
Hopefully you don’t get nailed with a summer cold, but in case you do, you can now head over to the new Turtle Tower location on Larkin and stick your face (and spoon) into the best pho ga in town (#9 is all you need to know). The new digs are bigger, with 70 seats, and 40 more seats coming in 6 months. And there's a new item on the menu: bánh mì. Don’t forget, it’s cash only. Open Fri–Wed 8am–5pm for now (closed Thu). 645 Larkin St. at O’Farrell, 415-409-3333.
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
