EAST BAY—Another branch of the ever-popular Chow has been approved. Already boasting San Francisco locations in the Castro (pictured) and the Sunset, the next Chow will be across the Bay in Danville: "The restaurant plans to occupy the 5,180-square-foot space with 126 interior customer seats and 93 exterior seats. Chow also plans to modify the parking lot with one-way lanes, allowing 10 or more additional parking spaces." Ah Danville, where restaurants get parking lots. On the other hand, it must be nice to have enough sun to have warrant equal parts indoor and outdoor seating. [Tri-Valley Herald]
SOMA—As reported earlier, Vino Venue closed suddenly last week, but the tasting room's owners insist it's only temporary: "According to Geno Brunton, CEO of Brunton Vineyards, VinoVenue hasn't closed. 'We are in legal proceedings with the landlord,' Brunton said, explaining the building's landlord would not allow assignment of lease and wanted to almost double the rent. VinoVenue general manager and wine buyer A.J. Ferrari ... said the landlord served Brunton with a sheriff's eviction notice on Nov. 28. For now, the doors are shut and the lights are out." [Chron]
TV LAND—Brace: Anthony Bourdain is returning to the Food Network: "The network that the feisty Bourdain seems to have nothing nice to say about is bringing back his original show. The half-hour episodes of A Cook's Tour originally aired in 2002 and lasted for two seasons. After those two seasons Bourdain departed from Food Network and rumors speculated that the network would never air the episodes again." [yumsugar]
