Sausalito: Because for a new restaurant boasting a chef with a pair of Michelin stars in his pocket, there has been precious little written about Murray Circle, Team Eater recently took a mini excursion across the bridge to check out the state of affairs at Fort Baker. As you can tell, even though there are nice vistas to be had, you're not exactly working with a waterfront view by any means, especially once in the dining room. Inside, the restaurant occupies one side of the building, with the classical Farley Bar on the other. Though the crowd and general vibe might remind you you're in a resort (for better and worse), Joseph Humphrey is doing magic in the kitchen, especially if the first round of reports are to be believed. Plus, it's physically closer than you may think. As always, reports are encouraged.
· Spring Tracking: Humphrey's Murray Circle Delayed a Bit [~ESF~]
· First Look: Joseph Humphrey's Cavallo Point Project [~ESF~]
All restaurant and bar openings, big and small, are served up on a regular basis via The Dish. If you notice a recent opening, please do drop us a line. Jennifer Yin, 3/27/08
1) Lower Haight: Even though it seems like years ago that The Yin sneaked into Uva Enoteca for her exclusive little preview, tonight finally marks the debut for Boris Nemchenok and Ben Hetzel's Italian spot. Inspired by New York Italian heavies like 'inoteca and Batali's Otto, Uva will trot out antipasti, cheeses, salumi, pizza and the like, everyday from 5pm-12am, plus daytime hours on the weekends. Is the lower Haight rising? 568 Haight Street, near Steiner Street; (415) 829-2024; website [EaterWire]
COW HOLLOW—Thrillist has lots of deets on La Vinoteca—including a menu and some personnel info—but may have received a taste of the Joys of Luisa today when the Union Street wine bar did, in fact, not open today. According to Ms. Hanson, La Vinoteca will be open "by Thursday, for sure." Mark your calendars. [EaterWire]
SAUSALITO—Just over that bridge thingy, Sausalito three-star Poggio will hold an "Allo Spiedo Festa" from April 29 to May 3. The special five nights of special dinners—hoped to be an annual event—will showcase the traditional Italian style of roasting meats on a spit over a live fire. The meats are served tableside from a special authentic cart and everything. More info on the official site. [EaterWire Inbox]
YOUNTVILLE—Somewhat disappointing news for fans of Ad Hoc's fried chicken (read: everyone): it seems that ex-SJ Merc food gal Carolyn Jung's revelations about Keller fried chicken being available twice a week were not entirely accurate, as a call to Ad Hoc reveals that the fabled chicken is only on the menu every other Monday and every other Wednesday. So, once a week total, for the time being, unless there's something secret astir in Kellerville. [EaterWire]
Since both of the Chronicle's reviews this week focused on the North Bay, it seems like a good time to take a preliminary gander at Joseph Humphrey's upcoming restaurant situated within the picturesque Cavallo Point cove, just on the Marin side of the bridge. Humphrey, you'll recall, notched an impressive two Michelin stars during his time at Meadowood, only to leave soon thereafter to take on the new restaurant project dubbed Murray Circle. As you can see from the gallery, the new place is just part of the Cavallo Point complex. Details on the restaurant are still vague: high-end French-Californian, 100 seats, outdoor patio, adjacent bar with more casual fare. Unfortunately, while the cove itself is indeed pretty much right under the Golden Gate Bridge, the actual restaurant is several hundred yards away from the water. The views from up the hill are still nice, but not nearly as dramatic as the waterfront ones. Opening date is set for May 1. Further color on the entire complex here.
· Cavallo Point - the Lodge at the Golden Gate Ready to Open [MarketWire]
· EaterWire: Chefs Out at Meadowood, Myth [~ESF~]
When done well - and I can't remember when I've had better - [bollito misto] has no rival. However, what convinced me that the chef has a similar unrelenting passion as do people like Chris Cosentino at Incanto or Paul Bertolli of Fra' Mani, was his version of tripe soup ($9) ... It's not just these special dishes that deserve attention. Like his equally obsessed compatriots, McNee is continually researching and expanding his artisan repertoire, making sausages, terrines, limoncello and condiments such as mostarda - items that give the mostly Tuscan-inspired menu its depth.
In anointing McNee a new heavy on the scene, Bauer upgrades Poggio to a deserved three stars. In fact, there wasn't one miss in the review, which makes us wonder what it takes for MB to bestow another 3.5 stars on a rustic, mid-scale place. [Chron] Brody Gets Cranky at Le P'tit Laurent and More From ELSEWHERE! >>
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