This week in tasty news.
What's New at Finn Town
Finn Town, the new Castro hotspot from celebrity chef Ryan Scott, has a new toque at the helm. Chef Steve Dustin joins the team from Big Night Restaurant Group (Park Tavern, Marlowe, The Cavalier), and is helping to lighten up the New American fare. Look for his spin on the revamped menu, which includes bites for sharing (think grilled English peas and heritage pork croquettes) as well as an all new brunch menu. Roll out of bed for buttermilk pancakes with lemon ricotta and strawberries; mushroom frittatas; and chicken and waffles. // 2251 Market St (Castro), finntownsf.com
Nokni Pops Up
Popping up in the East Bay this week, the Korean-meets-Californian Nokni, started by Pizzaiolo and Penrose alums, is scooping locally sourced ingredients into its cho geh tang—nourishing bowls of acorn noodles, summer vegetables, and fresh farm egg in chicken and kimchi broth. Also try the hweh (local albacore crudo with nori vinaigrette) and ddukbokki (crispy rice cakes with wild mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs). // Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 7-9, at Hina Yakitori, 828 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland), nokni.com
New Chef's Menu at The Alembic
The Alembic has picked up a new executive chef in Rachel Aronow. Most recently at 3rd Cousin in Bernal Heights, Aronow's cooking style is influenced by Latin, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern cuisines, as well as by her own Ashkenazi roots. Now serving: chicken tsukune with egg yolk and soy; jerk spiced duck hearts with pickled pineapple and thyme salt; and sprouted lentil croquettes. Go all in with the new four-course chef's menu ($48). // 1725 Haight St (Upper Haight). alembicsf.com
Subrosa Coffee Brews in Oakland
The independently owned Oakland-based coffee shop Subrosa has opened its second location in its hometown. They'll be serving locally coffee by De La Paz and Linea, and serving pastries from Firebrand Breads and Pepples Donuts. Swing by for the opening party on August 13th (10am to 3pm) and nosh food from Tacos Oscar, peruse the work of local artist Michael Milano, and have a little fun in the photo booth. // 4008 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (Oakland). subrosacoffee.com
Craftsman and Wolves' Launches Sunday at The Den
The crazy-talented William Werner is launching Sunday-only menu items at its Bayview location, The Den. Order short and tall stacks of classic, strawberry and Valrhona chocolate chip hotcakes to go with sides of CAWnadian bacon (black coffee–brined smoked pork loin). Also try the hash brown waffles with brown butter mayo, along with some fresh fruit from the new Bayview farmers market. Yes, you can still order the Rebel Within. // 1598 Yosemite Ave. (Bayview). craftsman-wolves.com
