HAYES VALLEY - A little bit ago, outlandishly creative pastry chef Luis Villavilazquez moved on from Absinthe to start French patisserie Les Elements. And today we learn that Bill Corbett will hop over to replace him, starting on January 4th. Corbett has worked as pastry chef at Michael Mina and Coi before this; so the man knows what's up. Look out for seasonal goodies like quince, butternut squash and citrus on the menu when he starts. Oh and in case you're wondering, Deannie Hickox will replace Bill at Coi, according to Madame Hopper. [EaterWire]
HAYES VALLEY EXTRA - Tiki heaven Smuggler's Cove joins Frances in the year old club as of this month. They're having an anniversary party tomorrow night with $2 off drink prices all night, tiki bento boxes and -- what's this? -- surprises. Owner Martin Cate will also offer a "very special" hand-fired, custom-made Smuggler’s Cove’s mug for sale that evening and he'll be giving out a new badge of honor to anyone who drinks the special flight of ultra premium rums and cocktails that will be available. In short, Cate is a possibly certifiable dork about rum -- in a good way! -- and you should take advantage of it. Them dranks are strong. [EaterWire]
POTRERO HILL - Tell Tale Preserve Co. is starting a pop-up of sorts at Big Daddy Antiques shop. Basically, pastry chef-owner William Werner will offer an abbreviated version of what's to come at Tell Tale when it opens early next year. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. More details over here. [ISSF]
CASTRO - GrubStreet reports the guys who own Bloodhound and Double Dutch have put in a liquor license application for The Bar On Church. If all goes to plan we could see a few more half-way-decent cocktails in the Castro soonish. [GrubStreet]