MARINA – As planned, MatrixFillmore will reopen to the public at 6 p.m. tonight after a brief one-week closure for a complete remodel. Shopworks, the design company who worked with PlumpJack on the project, is calling the new Matrix a “more modern, adult version of the old Matrix.” The fireplaces are still in place; significant changes include new banquettes, cocktail tables, romantic lighting, and a more integrated back room. There’s also a new “library” area set off by club chairs and benches built into the walls. As we reported earlier, a new seasonal cocktail menu and expanded beer and wine offerings will also distinguish new from old. [Eaterwire]
MISSION – Two new chefs started this week at Latin American restaurant, Charanga. David Leland, formerly of Sutro’s, will be taking over for Chef Gabriela Salas who was in the kitchen for 13 years; and Valerie Hemstreet formerly of Oregon Thai restaurant, Pok Pok, will be taking over as Pastry Chef. Charanga is also expecting the arrival of its liquor license in June. If the ABC pulls through, Ty Sanders, veteran bartender at the Big Four in the Huntington Hotel, will be overseeing a new cocktail menu. [Eaterwire]
NOB HILL – From a reliable tipster, we learn Middle Eastern restaurant, Café Zitouna, shuttered at least three weeks ago:
“The sign on the café’s door states the restaurant is ‘closed for the day.’ The owner of the [next door] second-hand store, however, was told by ‘the owner’ of Zitouna that the closure was due to electrical problems. However that was almost a month ago and there is now a padlock on the OUTSIDE of the door, indicating that the owner's abandonment was not necessarily their idea. The beverage refrigerator inside is still full and turned on, the tables are set, and with the exception of the empty service stations behind the kitchen, there is nothing to indicate movement. Very sad!”A yelp report confirms the shutter happened around February 12. [Eaterwire]
DOGPATCH – Per SFoodie’s John Birdsall, Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous, a new ice cream shop owned by husband-and-wife pastry chef team, Ian Flores and Annabelle Topacio, is gunning for a May 1 opening. Ten to twelve classic ice cream flavors will be offered alongside other candies and baked goods. They'll be making cones in house. [SFoodie]
PALO ALTO – From another loyal tipster: "The ubiquitous Crepevine opened an eighth oupost on Tuesday, March 30th at 367 University Avenue in the former Madison and Fifth space. Unlike the other Crepevines in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Rafael, the Palo Alto location will be using a wood-fired oven for exclusive items. According to the chain’s Web site, a 9th Crepevine is planned for Santa Rosa, with a proposed May opening. [Eaterwire]
A peek at Matrix's new lounge; Photo credit: Michelle Curtis
