All stories about "Fillmore Heritage Center"

The glad tidings of The Dish are counterbalanced by sad reports of closings of The Shutter. Notice a recent closure in your area? Do let us know.

Now, to be sure, there is zero direct evidence that Yoshi's and 1300 are having any negative effect on surrounding restaurants. In fact, intuition would suggest the opposite. Still, since the hyped arrival of the mega-projects in November, a pair of neighbors have shuttered, and now, 20-year-old Brazilian/pizza joint Mozzarella di Bufala makes the victims of the curse a solid trio. From the Shutter Inbox:

Got a postcard today from Mozzarella di Bufala:

"Mozzarella di Bufala's two stores, Fillmore and West Portal, are merging! Starting April 21st, Mozzarella di Bufala Pizzeria, located in West Portal, will serve additional zip codes including the Haight, Noe Valley, and the Mission neighborhoods.

The Fillmore Street location of Mozzarella di Bufala will be permanently closed for business beginning April 21st. We'd like to thank you and your family for making Mozzarella your pizza choice for over 20 years."

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, 12/27/07

At long last, we have an extensive look at Yoshi's Fillmore, now open for about a month. The dual jazz club and restaurant—dubbed by some as the most important venue to open here in years—occupies an ungodly 28,000 square feet total (and $10 million), though the space somehow doesn't seem as massive as the numbers might suggest. Myriad lounges, bars and private rooms are scattered throughout, including a private, glass-walled omakase room. As for the food, Yoshi's Oakland chef Sho Kamio runs the kitchen here as well (there are multiple menus), with Top Chef vet Marisa Churchill already making a splash on the dessert side with Japanese whiskey milkshakes and such. It's still much too early to predict if the arrival of Yoshi's has indeed resurrected the Fillmore and its jazz roots, but for what it's worth, the restaurant is ensconced in "6pm or 9pm?" territory, even on some weeknights.

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.

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

The restaurant at Yoshi's won't be opening until the weekend, but the adjacent jazz club's debut last night has everyone abuzz, with 82-year-old Roy Haynes rocking the house. Once you step inside the door Yoshi's, you are still not technically inside Yoshi's; rather, a lobby decked out in jazz paintings greets you. A box office lies to the right, with a pair of entrances to the left. Once you get inside and wander around the space, you notice how massive it is. The restaurant seats close to 400 by itself (400 more in the club), but a maze of sleek staircases and foliage-filled underpasses make the 30,000 square-foot space somehow seem smaller than it is really is. There's an open kitchen, complete with live, fire-filled ovens. The decor treads between traditional (dining room) and modern (bar), with some questionable colored lighting in the background. As for the food, Chef Sho's menu has yet to be revealed, but expect it to be not too far from the menu at Yoshi's Oakland, and don't forget about Top Chef vet Marissa Churchill on the pastry chef front. More Yoshi's pics follow:

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.

And now, some hot news off the Monday morning EaterWire. With the big opening night looming on Wednesday, Yoshi's has officially postponed the restaurant's opening. The jazz club portion of the venue will still open in two days' time, with Roy Haynes et al. leading the way, but the accompanying Japanese restaurant shall not join the club until December 1st at the earliest. So, those of you hoping to catch a sneak peek at Yoshi's via the dinner service—i.e. without paying $100 to catch the jazz show—will just have to wait a week or so. Last we checked, tickets for the 10pm show are still available on the official site.
· Nervous Glances Beginning to Turn Towards Yoshi's [~ESF~]

Not the best holiday weekend project.

Back when Yoshi's announced its firm opening date of November 28 on a bevy of signs around the Fillmore Heritage Center, more than a few people found it ambitious—surprising, even—that such a massive project would take on such a specific goal. After all, we're talking nearly 30,000 square feet and 800 seats in the club and dining room combined. It's exactly a week away from opening night, and well, it might be time to start worrying. As best we can tell, the liquor license is still in "pending" mode, and as seen from the accompanying photos, the place has a bit of a ways to go (to say the least). Last we heard, the restaurant might be opening the reservation lines early next week for Wednesday night, and there's no word on a contingency plan for the jazz club. Perhaps the folks next door at 1300 should expect a knock on the door Tuesday evening? Will opening night act Roy Haynes be playing amidst sawdust and paint cans? Story—and mad dash to the finish—very much developing...

THE FILLMORE—Word on Fillmore is that tickets for next Wednesday's opening night at Yoshi's San Francisco are going quickly. The 8pm show is already sold out, but $100 tickets for the 10pm show are still available on the official site. As for the restaurant, according to the Yoshi's folks, "it should be ready" come next week. Reservations aren't being accepted just yet, but they are anticipating opening the resy lines after the long weekend. Tickets not required for the restaurant, obv. [EaterWire]

NORTH BEACH—We are delighted to report that the official name of the Thai restaurant going in at the old Fogon space on Union and Columbus will be named Tuk Tuk Thai. Diligent readers will recall a bit of ambiguity as to the name; it came down to Thai Noodle Cafe and Tuk Tuk Thai, the name strongly favored in the Plywood Report several weeks ago (Item #4). So, you know, small victories. [EaterWire]

CITY-WIDE—Tomorrow marks the city's official switch from plastic bags to paper bags after a city ordinance was passed earlier this year. Oddly enough, the law only counts towards grocery stores, so pharmacy chains and restaurants can still dole out the plastic. As you were. [SFist, Chron]

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.

The scene outside the Woodhouse Fish Company

· Sequels Planned in 2008 For Dosa, Bar Crudo [Inside Scoop]
· Old SF Jazz Players Remember Fillmore as Harlem West [SFBG]
· 50 Years of Fillmore Redevelopment: Not Easy For All [SFBG]
· A List of 20 San Francisco Restaurant Faves [Amuses Bouche]
· Would You Drop $120 For a 24-Ounce Beer? [CCT]
· High Praise For Elizabeth Falkner's New Cookbook [Chron]

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]

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]

Yes, that is indeed more signage at Yoshi's.

FILLMORE—Who says that celebrity chefs don't want to be in San Francisco? Well, we're not completely positive if Marisa Churchill from the second season of Top Chef counts as a celebrity, but she's the latest high-profile newcomer to Yoshi's and the Fillmore Heritage spectacular: "Marisa Churchill, who competed on Bravo's popular reality TV show in season two, will be executive pastry chef at the new restaurant and jazz club, adding Japanese-influenced desserts to chef Shotaro Kamio's menu." Also notable: a whiskey-flavored milkshake may be on her dessert menu. [Inside Scoop]

THE CASTRO—Speaking of chef doings, a tipster shares a note gracing the door of Mecca, reopening this Saturday: "The note says that there's a new chef de cuisine named Galen Garretson joining Randy Lewis in the kitchen and the entire menu will be different and dazzling." It doesn't appear that the Mecca website has been updated yet, but as soon as we see a new menu, we'll be sure to share. [EaterWire Inbox]

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]

NORTH BEACH—Readers/fro-yo lovers who were sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation for today's ruling on the fate of Honeydoo—yes, both of you—will have to wait two more weeks. The Board of Supes hearing date on whether or not to grant conditional use was postponed from today to November 1st, which is probably not the news that Honeydoo, slated to open in the summer, wanted. [EaterWire]

HAYES VALLEY—Denizens of Hayes Valley mourned the temporary loss of Belgian fries joint Frjtz earlier this year, but we've finally got some new signage in the new Frjtz location, oddly enough, directly next door to the original at 581 Hayes. It's a strange world, that of the restaurants. [EaterWire Inbox]

FILLMORE—One of the more impressive things about Yoshi's in the Fillmore Heritage development is the firm opening date of November 28th. In an effort to stick to the game plan, the Yoshi's folks have already commenced the search for front of house staff. Check out the ad on Craigslist, along with a ton of tidbits about the 28,000 square-foot, 800-seat behemoth. [CL]

One day, it'll be a real sign.

On the heels of the plethora of signage for Yoshi's, we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the soul food restaurant opening alongside the esteemed, big-name jazz club: 1300 on Fillmore. Clearly, 1300 and its, ahem, sign lack the pomp and circumstance of Yoshi's, but high hopes are in order for 1300. It's going to be an upscale soul food restaurant, headed by the husband-and-wife team of Chef David Lawrence (once of the Carnelian Room) and Monetta White. Importantly, while Yoshi's is slated for a November 28 inauguration, 1300 on Fillmore is aiming for a late October opening, and in a step in the right direction, they just got their liquor license today.

If Yoshi's San Francisco does indeed match the popularity of its Oakland flagship, 1300 should have little trouble getting several turns a night from the clubgoers. After all, especially on that stretch on Fillmore, is there a better prelude to a night of top tier jazz than a fancy soul food dinner?
· Yoshi's Would Like to be Noticed [~ESF~]
· Pre-Plywood Report: Yoshi's, 1300 Coming [~ESF~]

Yes, those are three signs in one shot. And that's just the first photo.

When it comes to most restaurants under construction, one usually needs a specific address—or at least an intersection—to find the destination. Not so with Yoshi's San Francisco, which boasts about 39 signs announcing its presence on the 1300 block of Fillmore. Yoshi's is anticipated to provide a significant and much-needed boost to the slowly-fading jazz corridor of the Fillmore District. For such a high-profile opening, even more admirable may be the insistence that it will open on the firm date of November 28. Are you listening, Mint Plaza and Rincon Park?

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]