NORTH BEACH—What's this? A native Italian behind the stoves of a North Beach institution? Valentino Luchin is the new executive chef at one of Columbus Avenue's more established restaurants, Rose Pistola. Born and raised in northern Italy, Luchin has manned kitchens in Venice, Seattle and New York. Look for Rose Pistola's menu to take on a heavier Ligurian influence under Luchin's watch. [Chron]
UNION SQUARE—More chef shufflage: Patrick Robertson will be leaving Scala's Bistro after a mere two months. Of course, like every good break-up, the decision was completely mutual. [Chron]
TENDERLOIN—French Soul Food newcomer Brenda's has now added brunch to the mix. Quoth the hound: "Brenda's has a Saturday Brunch from 8 am to 3 pm ... with houseguests in tow, we stopped for breakfast yesterday and we were charmed." The beignets are apparently the thing to get. [Chowhound]
