All stories about "Taylor's"

Every once in a while, because its restaurant scene does indeed go beyond one Thomas Keller (well, sometimes), we're happy to venture north to bring you latest happenings in the ever-evolving Wine Country. Napa folk, your news from Napa, Kellerville and such is always very much appreciated to the tip line.

As promised earlier, we're happy to share our first look at the new Taylor's Refresher in Napa's Oxbow Market. Our man on the scene was brave enough to weather the opening day chaos last Friday and reported much ado about burgers during lunchtime rush (though no free giveaways). The menu and design are largely the same as the other locations in St. Helena and San Francisco, with ~150 seats between the indoor booths, outdoor picnic tables and the counter stools. Also notable: early returns have the lines reputed to be much more manageable than the behemoths at the St. Helena location, at least for now.
· Napa Dispatch: Taylor's Opens Friday, More From Oxbow [~ESF~]

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SOMA—This week's Tablehopper reported rumors of a possible February 26th debut for Elizabeth Falkner's Orson, and it now looks like that week will definitely see some degree of action down on Fourth Street, with the 26th slated for a soft opener. In the meantime, the Orson website has been revamped, complete with menu highlights (Paella with squid ink gel; Samosas, raita and chutney sorbet) and the following ominous announcement: "Orson is coming very soon." [EaterWire]

NAPA—We've got a couple reports from the Taylor's Automatic Refresher grand opening in the Oxbow Public Market earlier today. We'll have much more from the Taylor's front early next week, but in the meantime, here's a teaser on today's specials: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baked Potato Soup, Blueberry Milkshake. [EaterWire Inbox]

TELEVISION—We already know that the new season of Top Chef—debuting on March 12—features a quartet of local chefs, but early previews already have Myth Cafe's rep cast as the villain: "This year's Hung is obviously Ryan, a San Francisco-based chef of such surpassing smugness that we are already rooting against him. (He's handsome, too, the pisher.)" [Cutlets, previously]

1) The latest from the third branch of Taylor's Automatic Refresher is that it will open tomorrow morning for lunch service. Located in the growing Oxbow Public Market, Taylor's 3.0 will scatter 150 seats among indoor booths, barstool seating and outdoor picnic tables. The menu, for the most part, will closely mirror the St. Helena and Ferry Building locations. Bonus unconfirmed rumor: word on the tree-lined Napa streets is that Taylor's might—might!—be testing out the kitchen today and giving out free samples. 644 First Street, at McKinstry Street, Napa; Open daily: 10:30 am-8:30 pm, (707) 224-690; website [EaterWire]

2) Elsewhere in Oxbow, Daily Candy has it that Pica Pica Maize Kitchen has officially opened, and has carved itself a nice little niche: "The corn-centric fast food joint is the only place in Northern California where you'll find authentic Venezuelan grub." All of Northern California? 610 First Street, between McKinstry and Juarez, Napa; (707) 251-3757; website [Daily Candy]

3) And finally, if that wasn't enough Oxbow news for your afternoon enjoyment, the grand opening ceremony for the whole shebang is set for next weekend, February 23-24. Among the festivities: Cindy Pawlcyn, Nancy Silverton, giveaways, book signings, etc etc, plus all current and future vendors will be on hand and in celebration mode. Further reading on the Oxbow website. [Official Site]

[Photo courtesy]

Because the restaurant scene to the north does indeed go beyond one Thomas Keller (sometimes), we're going to check in up there every once in a while to bring the latest happenings in the ever-evolving Wine Country. Your sightings from both San Francisco and Napa are always welcome at sf@eater.com.

1) The third branch of Bay Area fave Taylor's Automatic Refresher—pictured above in its Oxbow Public Market corner space—has been delayed once again. Its opening was originally set to coincide with the December 15 debut of the marketplace, but has since been pushed back several times. The most recent word: mid-February. The good news is that the signature, giant EAT sign is ready to go. [Eater Inbox]

2) It looks like you can officially add Pilar to the shuttered list, at least for some time. Recently sold to Donna Scala, the answering machine now sounds, "Thank you for calling Pilar. The restaurant is now closed. We are under construction for the next couple of months for seismic retrofitting." As reported earlier, there were rumors that Pilar would take the space next door, which as it stands, is in need of a retrofit. Hmm. [EaterWire]