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News for Restaurants in San Francisco
January 2013 Archive

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Want to know who's doing what in your city? Gayot has the restaurant news you want to read on openings, closings, special events, and more. Learn everything you need to know about the restaurants in San Francisco here.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Saison opened Friday, February 1, 2013, in the new space previously reported at 178 Townsend Street in South of Market. The move marks a significant transition for the notable restaurant --- a new neighborhood (the previous incarnation was in the Mission) and, more significantly, an innovative dining design that comprises cooking and seating together in one unrestricted open space, replete with exposed brick and timber and 35-foot-high ceilings. (The historic building at 178 Townsend survived the 1906 earthquake.) Chef Joshua Skenes will continue his focus on fire cooking at the eight-foot hearth (with additional cooking at a new, custom Molteni stove and wood-fired Miwe bread-baking deck oven) and sommelier Mark Bright remains in charge of the 5,000-bottle cellar and pairings with the exclusive nightly 18-to-20-course tasting menus. The dining room seats 18 with an additional 12 seats at the bar and lounge. Cost is $248 per person, wine pairings an additional $148, and seatings are hourly between 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dinner Tues.-Sat. Saison, 178 Townsend St., San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-828-7990.
 
Popular 2012 newcomer District in Old Oakland has announced the upcoming opening of District Carriage House, an area adjacent to the restaurant dedicated exclusively to lunchtime carry out, with an entrance on 9th Street. Menu options will include quality sandwiches, soups, salads and blended fruit- and vegetable drinks. Delivery is also available around downtown Oakland. Once open, delivery or carry out orders can be made in person, by phone or online. District Carriage House, 827 Washington St., Oakland, CA 94607, 510-272-9110.
 

News Bytes

One Market Restaurant Turns 20
In a city where a restaurant is lucky to reach a decade, One Market will celebrate two this month. And for good reason. Opened in 1993 (originally with Bradley Ogden at the helm), the sprawling, classic dining room at the tip of Market seems fresh despite its 20 years. Its prime location near the Embarcadero and Ferry Building is only one of the draws --- Mark Dommen's sophisticated yet festive cuisine is coupled with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that seems to originate straight from the kitchen. Notable features include a chef's table inside the kitchen --- a San Francisco rarity --- and weekly whole animal menus (both à la carte and a reasonable prix-fixe) --- and a very happy happy hour Monday-Saturday at the attractive bar. One Market, 1 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-777-5577.
 
New FiDi Lunch Option at Michael Mina
Michael Mina's eponymous Financial District restaurant (now with local star chef Ron Siegel as executive chef) has announced a weekday à la carte lunch option as a business casual way to sample the restaurant's cuisine. Options include the classic ahi tartare for $19; fire-roasted chestnut ravioli with king trumpet mushrooms, cipollini and kale for $19; and crispy skin chicken breast with wilted greens and onion jam for $22. The more leisurely prix-fixe lunch options remain, featuring three courses for $49 and four courses for $59. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Michael Mina, 252 California St., San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-397-9222.
 

Chef Shuffle

After four years, chef Preston Dishman (General's Daughter) has departed Viognier in San Mateo for Half Moon Bay's Pasta Moon, owned by Kim Levin. No confirmation yet on his replacement at Viognier. Viognier, 222 E. Fourth Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-685-3727.
 

Closings

A few more year-end closures to report around the bay and beyond: Sea Salt in Berkeley closed at the end of 2012. The San Pablo Avenue locale from Haig and Cindy Krikorian (Lalime's) opened in 2005. Txoko in San Francisco's North Beach, known for its earthy, eclectic dishes from Ian Begg (Cafe Majestic), closed with the new year; that restaurant opened in the former longtime Enrico's space in 2011. Up in wine country, St. Helena's 13-year-old Silverado Brewing Company also closed near the end of 2012.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
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Discover the best restaurants in San Francisco for sushi, steak, a romantic night out and more

 

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