All stories about "1300"

SONOMA—Last week, it came out that Preston Dishman is on his way out at The General's Daughter, but the Southern cuisine specialist wants to remain in the area: "Dishman says he's hoping to stay local and has a few offers already. He'll be at the General's Daughter through July. His wife, who manages the restaurant's front-of-the-house operations is also leaving. Does anyone smell a possible love match for John Ash, where Chef Madura recently departed?" [BiteClub]

THE FILLMORE—We already had Sunday brunch at 1300 on Fillmore, and as of this weekend past, chef/owner David Lawrence has decided to expand the service to include a Saturday version too. Hangtown fries, now available two days a week. [City Dish]

James Newman, 12/14/07

We'll get to Bauer's trip to Healdsburg in a bit, but let's get the ball rolling with Ms. Meredith Brody at 1300 on Fillmore. A fan of the well-trained (and traveled) chef/owner David Lawrence, Brody experiences some ups and downs at the new soul food biggie:

At its best, Lawrence's food is classic and satisfying. Triangles of cornbread, enfolded in a linen napkin, come to the table still warm, served with butter and slightly hot red-pepper jelly. They are cheerfully replenished. A simple dish of lightly sautéed wild mushrooms with fresh herbs arrives on a bed of silky hominy grits...

Fried chicken should be a draw, made with Fulton Valley Farms organic birds, but those birds have been boned. No matter how crisp the coating and how carefully it's been fried, boneless fried chicken isn't as juicy as chicken cooked on the bone, and 1300's, though served with truffle whipped potatoes and a light pan gravy, doesn't win us over.

TENDERLOIN—Over on the "wrong" side of the Hilton, the Fishbowl—Fish & Farm's adjacent seafood bar—has hit some delays and won't be open as soon as previously expected. According to our source, Team F&F is still working on various aspects of the contracting angles, and they are still awaiting the finishing touches (carpeting, etc.) The current opening date: "soon." Stay tuned, won't you? [EaterWire Inbox, previously]

THE MISSION—Proving once again that predicting restaurant opening dates is like hitting a moving target, delays are afoot in on Valencia and 23rd too, as Beretta has pushed back its grand opening to next week. The move is reportedly self-imposed (read: not permit related), so further delays aren't expected. The new date for the revamped Last Supper Club is next Tuesday, April 1st. More on Beretta here. [EaterWire]

All closings around town are reported by The Shutter. Notice a restaurant or bar that has recently passed along, most likely because of that nefarious health care law? Your tips very much appreciated.

Back in November, all the rage in town was how Yoshi's, 1300 and the rest of the $65-million Fillmore Heritage project would reinvigorate the Fillmore, a dying 'hood if ever there was one. While both Yoshi's and 1300 have, for the most part, been critical successes thus far, the same can't be said about the surrounding blocks, and thus is the Yoshi's Effect born. In a one-block radius, Powell's Place faded away, Sheba's Piano Lounge might be on its last legs, and now the most recent casualty comes from directly across the street at Spices, the otherwise popular local mini-chain that just couldn't pull the crowds either. For those keeping score at home, Pac Heights and the Fillmore strip north of Geary have indeed been the big beneficiaries of the Yoshi's Effect, with a thriving scene and a plethora of big names en route (Delfina, Dosa, Out the Door, etc). On the southside of Geary though, an inordinate number of chains and empty storefronts dominate the blocks. But there is a frozen yogurt shop.
· Uh-Oh Alert: Sheba Lounge Feeling the Yoshi's Effect? [~ESF~]
· Yoshi's Might Inspire Pac Heights, Not The Fillmore [~ESF~]
· Club aims to return San Francisco to jazz glory [Reuters]

· Upscale Soul Food Arena: Farmer Brown > 1300 [Mouthfuls]
· OpenTable French Laundry Resy Available For the Next Several Seconds; Go! [CH]
· Crab Shells & Cold Bread: Picking the Nits at Gary Danko [CH]
· Don't Look for Chinese Products at Trader Joe's Anytime Soon [CH]
· The Search For Generic, Americanized Chinese Food [Yelp]

Spruce made many appearances on Brody's manifesto. Christine Kesler, 9/29/07

Before we fully dive into the Week in Reviews, let's first visit Meredith Brody's Year in Reviews, and that's exactly what the SF Weekly manifesto is: a look back at the year's best restaurants and dishes ... Every single one of them:

Here's a romp down memory lane. Or maybe we should call it forget-me-not lane, because as soon as I write about a splendid serving of food, I have to consciously stop obsessing about it, in order to have an open mind (and palate) for the next delicious thing that I hope will be set before me.

We don't do our own reviews per se here at Eater, but we hear there are plenty of local bloggers that do. Know a blog that should be on our radar? Do share.

James Newman, 12/14/07

Leading off, we have Lost in San Francisco at 1300 on Fillmore, and like most, he's immediately struck by 1300's setting. There's also confirmation that 1300's live entertainment permit has arrived: "The lighting is appropriately dim and a rotating parade of black and white pictures of the glory days of the neighborhood flash silently over the bar. Off the main entrance is a petite lounge and a three piece jazz trio was set up there in the corner, swinging the night away. The crowd was a colorful melange...older black couples out for a night on the town, post work Financial District types, and jazz heads getting a bite before hitting a show next door." [Lost in SF]

A recurring feature brought to you with the help of local photographers, Eater Inside showcases the interior space of high-profile, recently-opened restaurants.

James Newman, 12/14/07

Not to be lost in the shuffle of the Yoshi's madness is the modern southern eatery next door by Chef David Lawrence. Also part of the Fillmore Heritage project but open for a month longer, 1300 probably hearkens back to the bygone Fillmore jazz era even more so than its splashy neighbor. The design by McCartan (Americano, Hotel Adagio) has an sophisticated lounge feel, but incorporates a bevy of old-school photos of the neighborhood and its jazz legends, giving the place a casual undertone to its decidedly upscale slant. The 136-seat dining room dominates the restaurant, but a cocktail lounge is off to the side, along with a bar (serving the full menu) and a private room. We're of the opinion that 1300 seems to be much more accessible than Yoshi's, but with weekend reservations already reaching the "6 or 9:30?" point, expect to see even more growth on the corner of Fillmore and Eddy. Also en route: live music and brunch and lunch offerings.

Upon receiving the above photo from Sheba Lounge on Fillmore, our sentiments echoed that of the email's subject line: "uh-oh." Just about across the street from the mega New Black project that is Yoshi's and the Fillmore Heritage, Sheba Lounge might be the first—or second, if you count the plight of Powell's Place—local venue to feel the sting of the Yoshi's Effect. We've made no secret about our awe surrounding the project, but the money is still out whether Yoshi's will reinvigorate the immediate vicinity—remember the surrounding restaurants: Panda Express, Popeye's, Subway (Eat Fresh!)—or merely feed the continual rise north of the Fillmore in lower Pac Heights. True, a high tide floats all boats, but in the case of Sheba Lounge, a new competitor across the way + happy hour promotions + sidewalk signage + reports of small crowds often don't indicate a healthy situation. And yes, the Committee has taken note.
· Yoshi's Might Inspire Pac Heights, Not The Fillmore [~ESF~]

Your thoughts on Sheba Lounge and the Yoshi's Effect in the comments or straight to us.

If you've even ventured near Yoshi's or 1300 within the last several months, chances are you've noticed the myriad maps/signs advertising the $75 Fillmore Heritage Project with the tagline "This is the Fillmore ... It's Home." Not unlike a mall directory, the signs showcase a map detailing all Fillmore bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, retail stores and the like. On our most recent visit to the New Black, we finally took the time to really analyze the map—also available online (click on "neighborhood")—and given the supreme amount of detail put into Yoshi's and 1300, our findings were puzzling, to say the least. Some of the more notable curiosities:

1) Listed Under (Open) Bars: Powell's Place, the bar-free, evicted soul food joint across the street.

2) Listed Under Entertainment Venues: Mecca

3) Not Listed Anywhere: 1300

While nearly every single local publication waxes poetic on the imminent rescue of the Fillmore District by Yoshi's tomorrow night, BeyondChron takes a more negative—dare we say, practical?—stance on the jazz club behemoth's arrival, suggesting that

But a visit to Fillmore Street will leave most observers deflated rather than exhilarated. Yoshi's is surrounded by Agency-backed fast food businesses like Panda Express and Subway, and this section of Fillmore lacks the economic vitality and street energy that existed prior to the arrival of the Redevelopment wrecking balls.

Yesterday afternoon, the Fillmore Center declined an 11th hour plan put forth by Powell's Place representatives to save the popular soul food joint, meaning that the sheriff department will take possession of the restaurant today. Fillmore Center representatives say that their refusal to further negotiate the matter stems from the simple fact that owner Emmit Powell is behind eight months and $150,000 in rent. According to BeyonChron, the plan offered less than half of the indebted amount, so it would appear to be a simple case of money.

Truth be told, we eat out as much as the next person—more than we can afford, really—so we thought it sensible to share our impressions. Hence, this is Eater's Journal, where we opine on our recent meals.

1300: Strolled in at about 9pm on a Saturday night. The place was 85-90% full, which, given its large size, is saying something. Somehow, 1300 walks the fine line between elegant restaurant and comfortable neighborhood lounge (maybe it's the jazz music wafting in the background). The whole "Fillmore nostalgia" thing actually works. Extra points for having the full menu available at the bar. Lamb sliders were the winner of the night, but the mushroom-topped grits also won raves. Came away very impressed, even surprisingly so.

Adventures in Shilling is a celebration of the latest, greatest and grossest shills from around the world wide web. Per normal, you too can help fight shills.

Contrary to popular belief, shills do not only come of the absurdly-positive variety. Indeed, sometimes people—including (dare we say) rival restaurateurs—feel it necessary to denigrate their competition in addition to shilling their own restaurants. Hence, the reverse-shill is born. Let's get to it, shall we?

Up first, we have a dubious review from a first-time reviewer on Yelp (where else?) on the still-unopened Honu's Island Bar and Grill:

The poke bar idea is a major rip off of the Hukilau Restaurants in the bay area. Hukilau San Jose was actually the first Hawaiian restaurant in the bay area to ever have a poke bar, and that started about 4 years ago! Hukilau Palo Alto also has a poke bar. I am from Hawaii and I hit up all the Hawaiian restaurants in the bay area, so I consider myself a local expert. Stealing some one elses idea is hardly groundbreaking.

Reverse Shill Probability: 92%

FILLMORE—The as-yet bare bones website for Fillmore jazz-lounge behemoth 1300 (pictured) has been updated to include Chef David Lawrence's menu. Some individual items had been leaked in the PR blast earlier, but it's always nice to see the full version, complete with prices (nothing is more annoying than an online menu sans prices, right?). Apps are in the $8-$12 range and the entrees are $17-$29. [EaterWire, Official Site]

THE MISSION—Well, look who's back after a brief hiatus. From a tipster: "Senses (1152 Valencia St) has re-opened. In its initial version it tried to hard to pull of some cross-cultural dishes and failed. It closed for several months and then re-opened. It is now more of a Mediterranean style small plates restaurant. It is not breaking any new ground but the food is pretty good. The wine list is pathetic but maybe they will be working on it." [EaterWire Inbox]

A sad reality of the restaurant industry is that it's a vicious business and sometimes bad things happen to good people. Such is the case with Emmit Powell, owner of Powell's Place. After 35 years of business, Powell's Place—one of the only genuine mom-and-pop soul food places in the city—is currently facing eviction from its Fillmore home. According to a source, they are embroiled in a legal battle to keep the place open, with local reverends and pro-bono lawyers working around the clock to save the soul food institution (further reading on these efforts at BeyondChron). Apparently, Mr. Powell was involved in some bad business decisions (i.e., he pays more per square foot than any other restaurant in the Fillmore District), and as our source summed up, "sometimes the best people don't make the best businessmen."

As fate would have it, Powell's troubles come at the exact same time as the $74 Fillmore Heritage celebration a mere half-block away that touts itself as a revitalization of the historical Fillmore District. Obviously, they have nothing to do with the Powell's business, but the irony of the rich newcomer celebrating the past while the old guy down the street succumbs to money woes? Pretty damn thick.
· "I Heard That" -- The Battle to Save Powell's Place [BeyondChron]

Because not all posts get deleted...

· "Had an Epic Dinner at 1300 Last Night" [CH]
· Will Chez Panisse Expand Their Tables to Accommodate Seven? [CH]
· The Fine Print of Naming Restaurants [eGullet]
· Looking Ahead to the Big Four's Wild Game Week [CH]
· Can Pho Be Found in Marin? [CH]
· Zoya, Zuni or Absinthe? [Yelp Convo]

With a veritable bevy of openings slated for the week, it's a busy time for The Dish, your source for the latest unveilings around town. Notice a restaurant that recently debuted? We accept tips.

1) Peet's: Half Moon Bay denizens are asunder over the entrance of Peet's Coffee and Tea into the coastal community. Like many of its surrounding areas, Half Moon Bay has long flirted with banning chains like Peet's, but city officials say such stores are key for the local economy. A Starbucks arrived in town four years ago, but residents think this latest chain invasion may open the floodgates. To make matters more dicey, Peet's not only took over the space of a mom-and-pop coffee purveyor, but also that of the laundromat next door, which wouldn't be a big deal, except for the fact that there's now only one laundromat for the entire town of 12,000. 142 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay [Examiner]

All news fit to run goes in EaterWire. Have something to add? The tip jar awaits.

FILLMORE—For those of you concerned with the aesthetics of apertures and entryways (like us), please be aware that the proper door at 1300 is forthcoming. The real door arrives in the second week of November. 1300 and all that jazz rejuvenation, meanwhile, debut to the public tomorrow. [EaterWire Inbox]

THE MARINA—Early reports from Bin 38, formally open tonight, have been very good, particularly regarding the design. From Bits & Bites: "The space (which used to be Mi Lindo Peru) is huge, with the bar in front, a small room off to the left, then a larger room with two alcoves—one with an L-shaped couch and one with tables—and the kicker, a huge back patio with picnic tables and chairs, and soon, a fire pit. There are tons of design details—for example, baby vine-pressed interior windows, cork walls, distressed wood floors and stunning gold-and-burgundy-flecked onyx-topped bar." [Bits & Bites]

FERRY BUILDING—Today, the 2008 San Francisco Michelin Guide went on sale in bookstores around the Bay. To mark the occasion, Michelin Director Jean-Luc Naret and Marcia Gagliardi (better known as La Tablehopper) will be leading a panel discussion in the Ferry Building's Book Passage at 6pm. We'll be in attendance, so please do come and say hello; we'll be the non-French guy wearing the Thomas Keller t-shirt. [EaterWire]

This is Hangover Observations, where we share our thoughts on last night, the night that was.

We had the good fortune to attend a sneak preview of 1300, the upscale soul food behemoth opening this Thursday. Here are some early thoughts on the first splash in the community extravaganza that is the Fillmore Heritage redevelopment project.

1) 1300 is huge: a 136-seat main dining room with band playing, a bar area, a separate lounge area, and a glass-encased, 25-seat private dining room. The acoustics were surprisingly quite nice, with the live jazz band comfortably reverberating throughout the space. Only cause for concern: as with all big spaces, if it's not crowded, it will look empty.

2) A good chunk of the Fillmore Heritage project's $74 mill was put into the design elements. We can't even imagine what Yoshi's will look like (more on that later in the week).

3) They were not kidding when they said they were reclaiming San Francisco's jazz history. It's like Charlie Parker's photo album exploded into the lounge are (note: not necessarily a bad thing).

4) It's got to be an encouraging sign when uninvited passers-by are trying to get a look inside.

5) Speaking of the exterior, the phrase "a plywooded Parthenon" came to mind.
· 1300 [Official Site]
· Fillmore Heritage [Official Site]

Thanks to a reader for sending in the above photo of a place that looks to combine two San Francisco staples: coffee and burritos burrito. Along with the ultimate signage at Yoshi's and the upscale soul food at 1300, this unnamed establishment is just the latest key piece of evidence that the Fillmore District really is taking a turn for the better. [Eater Inbox]
· Yoshi's Would Like to be Noticed [~ESF~]
· Meanwhile, 1300 on Fillmore Settles For a Paper Sign [~ESF~]

This here is the Plywood Report, your regular, all-encompassing source for the next generation of San Francisco restaurants still in various stages of construction. From splashy, big-name endeavors to smaller remodelings, we've got you covered. See something a-brewing in your neighborhood? Drop us a line. Also: bonus points and a gold star sticker if you include photos.

Big news from the 1300 block of Fillmore! It seems that the city's (slowly fading?) jazz corridor will receive a massive boost in late fall. On November 28, nationally-renowned Oakland jazz club Yoshi's will debut a second venue on Fillmore Street. Artist renderings of the exterior and interior are available on Yoshi's minimalist SF website, but those who attended the press conference on Tuesday are already dishing out the juicy details on the expansion of the most well-respected jazz club on the West Coast.

From FOJAZZ:

The new Yoshi’s will occupy 28,000 square feet over two levels of the 13-story mixed-use building, fronting Fillmore Street and anchoring the city’s long-promised jazz preservation district ...

Designed by Morimoto, Matano & Kang Architects, the room is still essentially a skeleton at this point, all concrete and bare steel. But elegant contours are clearly visible, and some already-painted areas reveal a palette of welcoming earth tones. The restaurant area will eventually seat 370 between a main floor and a balcony lounge, with private banquet rooms and a traditional tatami room off to the sides. Executive Chef Shotaro Kamio, pointing to a vast kitchen area, promised a menu that would go well beyond sushi to incorporate the full range of contemporary Japanese cuisine.

[Photo: Yoshi's SF]