POTRERO HILL—Chez Papa's Jocelyn Bulow has sold Baraka to a pair of Baraka regulars and now first-time restaurant owners, Michelle and Justin Hughes. Except for a few tweaks, new executive chef Chad Newton (formerly of Redd and Postrio) will keep the menu mostly the same. Bulow, meanwhile, is knee-deep in the second Chez Papa in Mint Plaza. [Chron]
SUNSET—What's this? A trendy cocktail bar in exile the Sunset? The former Canvas Gallery space near the corner of 9th and Lincoln will soon be occupied by Pacific Catch. Normally, a bar restaurant opening isn't particularly big news, but the guys behind Pacific Catch have enlisted the help of some who boast quite the cocktail pedigree: Cantina, Bourbon & Branch and more. Beware the gentrification of the Sunset. [Tablehopper]
FIDI—Financial District workers may be pleased to hear that fish-taco stalwart Rubio's will be opening in the Embarcadero Center come November, making it the second San Francisco location of the SoCal Mexican chain (the other being in the Westfield mall). [EaterWire]
BONUS FIDI—Ok, so maybe downtowners in search of lunchtime fare should be happier that Jai Yun offshoot Flying Pan Bistro has finally reopened after a brief hiatus/renovation. The house-made noodles are indeed delicious, and the price is most certainly right. [CH]
FISHERMAN'S WHARF—Saigon Grill has moved on to restaurant heaven, but the place taking its spot, Darren's Cafe will keep the Vietnamese dishes, with the added option of American breakfast. [Tablehopper]
[Photo: Flickr/ck.kam]
