News for Restaurants in San Francisco October 2009 Archive Search / Openings / Closings / Chef Shuffle / News Bytes / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive 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 Charismatic French chef Hubert Keller's newest Burger Bar has opened on the 6th floor of Macy's Union Square, mirroring the casual concept he made famous in Las Vegas (there is a third Burger Bar in St. Louis). The airy, stylish San Francisco space features roomy booths with old-fashioned diner appeal, but for the individual built-in flat-screen TVs in each. High and low marble-topped tables fill the rest of the room, including in coveted window nooks overlooking Union Square. A small bar dedicated to milkshake creations, with serious milkologists at the helm, provides tempting entertainment. A full beer, wine and cocktail bar, featuring the whole menu of gourmet à la carte burgers, stretches the length of the entrance where walk-in diners might score a seat. Otherwise, guests should expect quite a wait for their pricey burger and milkshake fix at this new hot ticket. Open until 2 a.m. Fri.-Sat. Look for Keller appearances in the dining room. Lunch & Dinner daily. Burger Bar, Macy's Union Square, 251 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-296-4272.   Charles Phan's Out the Door chain of gourmet, take-out Vietnamese has opened a location on Bush and Fillmore in the Fillmore District. It's Phan's third such venue, the others being inside the Ferry Building near Slanted Door, and within the Westfield Centre's high-end food court. Look for the Vietnamese breakfast, a specialty here. Visit www.outthedoors.com for menus and information. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. Out the Door, 2232 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94115, 415-923-9575.   More on the new Quince, considered one of the year's most notable San Francisco openings: With the move from Pacific Heights to Jackson Square, chef Michael and Lindsey Tusk's neighborhood jewelbox of a restaurant has expanded in size and scope, featuring a ten-seat bar, 12-seat lounge and 68-seat dining room outfitted in natural colors and materials---wood, brick, glass, and a palette of silver, taupe and cream. The seasonal, locally sourced menu of Italian- and French-inspired dishes has expanded to include separate bar and lounge menus for walk-in dining, along with five- and eight-course tasting menus as well as à la carte choices. Quince's new kitchen mirrors one facet of the old---large windows onto the street provide a fun peek behind the scenes; in lieu of the former chef's table, however, the new space features a private dining room. Pastry chef William Werner moved with the restaurant, and readers may recall the recent arrival of sommelier David Lynch (Babbo). The restaurant opened on October 1. Quince, 470 Pacific Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133, 415-775-8500.   News Bytes Water Into Wine After a series of 2009 shakeups both in the kitchen and with ownership, Aqua has landed on solid ground with the announcement that Bacchus Management Group (Spruce, Spruce Park City, The Village Pub) will take over the lease. According to a spokesperson, it is the group's intention to "retain as much of the current restaurant as possible." Aqua will remain open as usual throughout the holiday season, then in early 2010, the restaurant will close for a refresh as the full transition takes place. Aqua, 252 California St., San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-956-9662.   Local Chef Crenn Competes French-born Dominique Crenn, executive chef of Luce in the InterContinental San Francisco, will compete in "The Next Iron Chef" challenge on the Food Network. Nate Appleman is also a competitor, but San Francisco can no longer call him one of its own as he relocated to New York City several months ago. Luce, InterContinental San Francisco, 888 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-616-6566.   Chef Shuffle Young chef Chris Kronner (Town Hall, The Slow Club, Serpentine) has taken over the kitchen at Bar Tartine, and brings a new menu and additional changes to the restaurant. Owners Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson of Tartine Bakery fame have tweaked Bar Tartine's concept to reflect more of a collaboration with the bakery, and the menu under Kronner is taking a rustic, European turn. Other additions include specialty breads and other goodies baked specifically for the restaurant, weekday artisan breakfasts, and an expanded list of wine cocktails and apéritifs. Bar Tartine's décor has also undergone a refresh. Bar Tartine, 561 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110, 415-487-1600.   Closings The 40-year-old Carnelian Room at 555 California Street, famous for its stunning views from its perch on the 52nd floor, will close for good on New Year's Day. Patrons are welcome to share memories with the restaurant, and look for special meals and packages through the end of the year.   CULINARY EVENTS Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area. View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in San Francisco Discover the top restaurants in the San Francisco/Bay Area for various cuisines and categories like sushi, steakhouses, happy hours, romantic dining and even gourmet food trucks. Find the best restaurants in SF here!

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