Americano Takes Down Tents, Declares "Winter" Over
Remember that rather hideous seasonal greenhouse-tent contraption that Americano erected back in November? To this day, it still seems odd that they would cover up one of the most picturesque outdoor patios in town, particularly in the name of prepping for the fierce San Francisco winter (which oddly bears a strong resemblance to summer). In any event, it's time to rejoice, because parent company Joie de Vivre has declared winter officially over, as the Americano tent is down. FiDi workers are back on the al fresco happy hour bent, and heat lamps are on full blast, since like every other month of the year, it's 60 degrees and foggy.
· That's Rather Hideous: Americano Erects Greenhouse [~ESF~]
EaterWire: Cyrus Joins Relais & Chateaux Club
HEALDSBURG—Cyrus is among seven new North American gourmet restaurants and/or hotels inducted to the prestigious Relais & Chateaux club. Restaurants must apply for admission into the French club, with the application process often taking several years. In case you're wondering, the only other local restaurants already in the elite club are the French Laundry, Meadowood and Gary Danko (proving that not all French elitists dislike Monsieur Danko). [EaterWire Inbox]
POTRERO HILL—PotHi local staple Couleur Cafe continues to shake things up with some updates. From Chowhound: "The recent updates -- a whole flight of new mussel preparations and a much improved steak frites - are particularly worth a try ... They now have nice live acoustic music on Sunday evenings and are about to start that on Wednesdays as well." Usually, menu upheavals and live music promotions are telltale signs that a restaurant is struggling, but the post seems to suggest that Couleur Cafe merely continues to improve on a good thing. Any Potrero peeps know anything? [CH]
GHIRARDELLI SQUARE—Speaking of possible semi-desperate promotions, McCormick & Kuleto’s is now offering a Happy Hour Bar Menu: "Every Monday through Friday (3pm-6pm) you can feast on Bay Shrimp cocktails, Black Mussels, a Diestel Turkey Breast Quesadilla, Spicy Buffalo Wings, and a half-pound Cheeseburger for just $1.95 (with a two drink minimum)." What Happy Hour ends at 6pm with a two-drink minimum, you ask? One that caters to the tourist crowd, obv. And that $2 burger, while tempting, might not seem so great when you remember that In-N-Out is down the street. [SF City Dish]
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