Vegans to be Loved at Social Kitchen; Appleman and Cosentino Tweet Condolences

SAN FRANCISCO—Rich Higgins revealed today Social Kitchen and Brewery, his forthcoming reinvention of the brewpub, should be open pre-April. After declining to reveal his chef's name, Higgins did come right out and tell us that half of the items on his food menu will be made with beer and, in an a-typical pub grub move, vegans and vegetarians will be well taken care of. [EaterWire]

NEW YORK—Today condolences poured through the Twitterverse in reaction to the loss of Chef Rose Gray of London's influential River Cafe. Committed to "sourcing, sourcing, sourcing," and Italian cuisine made with local ingredients, we're not shocked that Nate Appleman and Chris Cosentino continue to be two of her biggest fans. [Eater National]

AMERICANA—The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) includes 11 San Francisco restaurants in its database of U.S. cities that "offer products and menu items created by methods that benefit animal welfare, human health, and the environment." A16, Acme Chop House, Aziza, Bar Tartine, Delfina, Magnolia Pub and Brewery, and Perbacco are among the 150 chosen, and the organization is still considering other restaurants. Of course the org's criteria come naturally to San Francisco restaurants. In Magnolia owner Dave McLean's words, "That's just being a good person 101." [CivilEats]