MINT PLAZA—The plaza people continue to stay mum on the fourth restaurant, saying that they intend to take their time with "finding the right tenant." Apparently several restaurants are under consideration/in talks, including the long-rumored Limon. In the meantime, the Chez Papa opening is still set for November 4th, but obviously that's a moving target. A more likely deadline is the official Mint Plaza opening ceremony set for November 16, complete with Gavin Newsom speechery. Sushi Groove and Blue Bottle are still looking at late December/early January. [EaterWire]
UNION SQUARE—Forgive yet another thought about the Michelin hoopla, but we have a wondering: last week's edition of the Tablehopper pointed out that Cortez co-executive chef Louis Maldonado just left the kitchen last Saturday. Today, Cortez received its first Michelin star. Does Maldonado still get to say he got a Michelin star? Discuss. [EaterWire, TH]