EaterWire: Commis Details, Saigon Sandwich Honored, Incanto's Beer Dinner, Berkeley Restaurants Thriving

TENDERLOIN—Playboy has named Saigon Sandwich one of the ten best sandwich destinations in America, saying the banh mi is "so shockingly good that even Pacific Heights housewives in their Manolo Blahniks risk stepping on a used syringe or condom for a taste." [Playboy via NBC]

OAKLAND—The Scoop shares another update on James Syhabout's upcoming Commis: Zack Freitas (Manresa, WD-50) and Carlos Salgado (Coi) have been hired as the his chef de cuisine and pastry chef, respectively. But the biggest twist might be the menu, which will only be a three-course (with choices) $49 fixed-price format featuring "a fusion between contemporary and traditional techniques." Exciting, but ballsy; good for him. [Scoop]

NOE VALLEY—Last second reminder for the Incanto/Magnolia beer dinner tonight: it's a one-night only affair and is $75 for the five-course pairing menu from Chris Cosentino and Dave McLean. You can see the entire menu online. [EaterWire]

THE MISSION—Mission Mission brings the good word that even though it's still in a soft-opening phase of sorts, Blue Macaw will start live music next Monday. [MM]

GOLDEN GATE PARK—In honor of the huge Tutankhamun exhibit at the museum, the de Young Cafe will be offering a special Egyptian menu including items like a Red Sea fish stew, chicken tagine, kefta and toasted lentil soup. [MIJ]

BERKELEY—While the rest of America flounders, Berkeley is actually doing quite well: "...the biggest boon has been restaurants, which bring in 18 percent of the city's sales tax revenue - more than any other category." Paying attention, SF politicians? [Chron]

[Photo: Flickr/Eating in Translation]