Last Rites

One of San Francisco’s newest cocktail additions is Last Rites located in Duboce Triangle (aka the Castro). This amazing new cocktail destination set in a repurposed airplane fuselage, provides an experiential narrative of being marooned in a dark tropical jungle. And, they have over 150 rums and a diverse selection of spirits, with inventive classics like the Last Rites Mai Tai,Avian Evolution, the Marine Layer, the Jock Lindsey & more. This is a new gem not to be missed! 718 14th Street, San Francisco. 

Che Fico

Any foodies or for that matter, any San Franciscans in the know have heard about Che Fico….  After hearing about this hot new restaurant I finally had the perfect excuse to visit, my birthday weekend. My first impression upon entering Che Fico was the amazing energy, the New York like vibe of the space, the music, the beautiful loft like interior and the vibe. So much of a restaurant is the setting and the atmosphere and Che Fico has that all. Next is of course the food, the service and the experience. From the moment I arrived and I received a warm welcome and hug by Emily, their AGM (An industry friend I’ve met over the years from my State Bird Provisions dining visits) I felt right at home. After surveying the menu we landed on a Chopped Salad, Fried Artichoke, the highly talked about Pineapple Pizza and two Pasta Specials…. After trying everything, no surprise, we were blown away. Starting with the Chopped Salad, the flavors were extremely fresh, bold and flavorful. Moving on to the Pineapple Pizza, another delicious eat finished with the pastas. Having had lots of pizza over the years from Chef Evan (former CDC at Flour + Water) I was not surprised that the Che Fico Pasta’s were fabulous. I feel like my first visit was the first of many to come and I look forward to dining with Che Fico again and trying even more of their incredible menu! 838 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Hotel San Francisco

Hotel San Francisco is the newest spot on this list and the irony of the name is it’s from an Australian team but in Australia Hotel means your local pub so Hotel San Francisco is really local pub San Francisco if you translate. When I visited I had their amazing Fried Chicken Sandwich, fries (plan to eat them all they’re that good) and a few yummy cocktails. This spot is adorable and for sure a new downtown hot spot to check out.  653 Commercial Street, San Francisco, CA. 

The Beehive

One of the newest cocktail destinations in the Mission is The Beehive from the team at The Treasury. Beehive has amazing cocktails, a super swanky modern setting and also great food such as amazing French Onion flavored Popcorn, French Fries, Deviled Eggs, Crudito…  After opening just a few weeks ago The Beehive has quickly become my new go to for amazing cocktails, a super friendly team, and a chic setting you will not want to leave.  842 Valencia Street. San Francisco, CA, 94110

Enjoying the Beehive Cocktail (left) and the Beauty Mark. Both are divine and have become my go to’s at The Beehive!

Sunday at The Museum

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has relaunched their cafe and it has reopened as Sunday at The Museum lead by Chef Deuki Hong (f0rmerly of New York’s Momofuku, Jean Georges, and Baekjeong) in collaboration with the adored Boba Guys team, Andrew Chau and Bin Chen. I recently visited for lunch and was blown away by the incredible food, the team and the lovely bright modern fresh setting. I highly recommend trying the Chicken Wings, Miso Avocado Toast and a Boba Guys Coffee. 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Chef Dueki Hong hard at work!

Their delicious noodle salad and fried chicken sandwich.  I have had both and they’re divine!

The Miso Avocado Toast. This is literally life changing and a must try when you visit!

Vive La Tarte at The Ferry Building

Any foodies in San Francisco are well aware of Vive La Tarte and lucky for us, they recently opened an additional outpost at The Ferry Building.  Here you can experience not only Vive La Tarte’s incredible Criossants but also their new Tacros which are the perfect blend of savory and sweet!  One Ferry Building Trail, San Francisco. 

Bar Crenn

Bar Crenn is the newest concept from the incredibly talented Michelin and James Beard Awarded Dominique Crenn. It’s not only a wine bar but an eatery from the incredible Atelier Crenn team with amazing food, wines and an intimate experience that will make you feel as if you’re cuddled up on your sofa eating delicious caviar, sipping incredible wines in a setting where if you’re lucky (which I’ve been on both of my visits) Chef & Owner Dominique Crenn will walk by your table, come say hi and truly make your visit so special and memorable!  3131 Fillmore St.  San Francisco, CA 94123. 

Bar Crenn food pictures by Jordan Wise

Bar Crenn pictures by Patricia Yang

25 Lusk Roof Top

It’s official, Spring is here and Summer is quickly approaching. Back in my New York Days summer meant lots and lots of drinks on roof tops bars, enjoying the warm summer weather. I could not be more excited that San Francisco has a NEW Roof Top bar, 25 Lusk. It’s from the 25 Lusk Restaurant team and it’s incredible. With a pizza oven that Chef Matt Dolan is creating amazing pizzas in, craft cocktails, wines, beer and amazing roof top views 25 Lusk has got it all! 25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA 94107

25 Lusk photos by  Anne-Claire Thieulon

Merchant Roots

I am beyond excited for the long awaited opening of Merchant Roots. Partners in business and life, chef Ryan Shelton and Director of Operations Madison Michael have over 25 years of collective hospitality and are both fabulous!  MerchantRoots is an innovative combination of craft grocer and fine-dining restaurant. A highly curated concept, Merchant Roots encompasses aspects of a specialty food store and wine shop, casual eatery, and fine-dining restaurant.  By day, Merchant Roots offers freshly made fare that includes house made pastries, sandwiches, salads, fresh pasta, cheese, and charcuterie, as well as gourmet pantry items like specialty salts, jam, chocolate, and a well-chosen selection of wine. Shortly following the store opening, the team will unveil its fine dining alter ego: The Table at Merchant Roots, a creative and intimate dinner experience that happens three nights per week, featuring a themed tasting menu that rotates every four to six weeks. Read more on their website here.

The assortment of gourmet pantry items and yumminess!

The beautiful setting for their fine dining experience (coming soon) The Table at Merchant Roots with their amazing wine assortment as the back drop.

Merchant Roots pictures by Kassie Borresson

Papi Rico

The Castro Restaurant scene has a VIBRANT new addition, Papi Rico. Offering a casual counter service dining experience in a super fun, lively setting, Papi Rico is perfect for a casual bite or drink (by drink I mean multiple drinks as they’re delicious), or even a lite bite such as chips and salsa, guacamole paired back to their incredible drinks or a beer.  The food is flavorful, fun and yummy! And the best part is it’s well priced so won’t drain your wallet too much! 544 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114

 

The Snug SF’s NEW Brunch

Launching this weekend, May 19th The Snug SF will now offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am – 3pm. Brunch will be walk in only, so hurry over to Fillmore Street to experience this newly launched guaranteed to be delicious brunch. Don’t forget to try one or two of the Snug’s fabulous cocktails! 2301 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Snug photos by Jordan Wise