Critics Consider Monk’s Kettle, Pacific Catch, Baraka

IN THE NEWS: Marcia Gagliardi’s Tablehopper.com reviews Monk’s Kettle (3141 16th St. at Albion St., San Francisco,
415-865-9523) and O Izakaya Lounge (Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post St. at Laguna St., San Francisco, 415-614-5431), visits Poleng Lounge (1751 Fulton St. at Masonic, 415-441-1751) and reports the opening of Domo sushi spot in Hayes Valley (511 Laguna St. […]

Spruce Tops ‘Citysearch’ Best New Restaurants List

IN THE NEWS: Citysearch releases its Top 10 New San Francisco Restaurants of 2007 list, topped by Spruce (3640 Sacramento St, San Francisco). … The newest Iron Chef, Cleveland’s Michael Symon, visits the Bay Area and raves about meals at Hog Island Oyster Bar, Chez Panisse, Incanto, Bar Jules, Slanted Door, Jardineire and Zuni Cafe. […]

Financial District’s Myth Sold to Restaurant Group

IN THE NEWS: The Chronicle’s Miriam Morgan gives two and a half stars to Gator’s Neo-Soul Cafe (129 South B St. near Second Avenue, San Mateo; 650-685-8100, www.gatorsneosoul.com), while Amanda Gold awards two stars to Layaly Mediterranean Grill (2435 Clement St. near 26th Avenue, San Francisco; 415-668-1676), while Michael Bauer gives one and a half […]

Chefs Split Fifth Floor; Aqua’s Manrique Takes Over Kitchen

IN THE NEWS: The Chronicle’s Michael Bauer awards two and a half stars to Thai restaurant Grand Pu Bah (88 Division St., near Eighth Street, San Francisco; 415-255-8188), while Amanda Gold gives two stars to Mediterranean-influenced Bistro 9 (1224 Ninth Ave., near Lincoln, San Francisco; 415-753-3919, www.bistro9sf.com). … The Inside Scoop column reports: the bittersweet […]

Fire Temporarily Closes Tenderloin’s Original Joe’s

IN THE NEWS: The Chronicle’s Kevin Fagan and Stacy Finz report, “The well-heeled, the less-well-heeled and the downright downtrodden won’t be dining together at one of their favorite spots for a while: San Francisco’s landmark Original Joe’s restaurant was shut down by fire (Oct. 12). The Tenderloin institution will likely be closed at least a […]