For this week's pre-holiday opening report, we'll start things off by reminding you that Ken Ken Ramen opens on Sunday with 5 ramen options and artisan boba from Boba Guys. But don't let that distract you from this week's openings, detailed below in your trusty Opening Report.
1) Emeryville: Bourbon & Branch vet John Santer and Bloodhound's Dylan O'Brien bring a destination bar to Emeryville with Prizefighter, opening today at 6702 Hollis. We shared many details on the cocktail program earlier, and the coup continues with news that Absinthe's Carlos Yturria, Prospect's Patrick Brennan and Lucia Gonzales of Flora have all joined the bar team full-time. [SFoodie]
2)Cow Hollow: Tablehopper has a menu for Bistro Unique, which opened yesterday, serving cassoulet, croque madame and everything else you'd expect from your neighborhood French bistro. Contrary to speculation, the "Unique" moniker is a play on the owner's name "Yannick," not an indication of anything outside the ordinary in bistro land. [Tablehopper, EaterWire]
3) Chinatown: A Chinese-French dessert place called Souffle Cafe (1401 Powell St.) is now serving an extensive souffle menu, sweet tofu and green tea egg puffs. Only ten seats here. Salads and sandwiches are also offered to balance the meal. [Chowhound via Tablehopper]
4) Berkeley/Albany: A vegetable chef that goes by the name of Tenzin (maybe you've heard of him from his days at Shangri-La Vegan in Oakland?) has opened an "extremely healthy veg restaurant" called Polata Organic where Thai restaurant Ruen Pair once sat (1045 San Pablo Ave.). All of the decor from the old days is still there, but the food sure is different and vegetable lovers are hoping this Tenzin fellow will stick around. [SFoodie]
Is there an opening in your neck of the woods that belongs on this list? Enlighten us in the comments or over the EaterWire.
Pre-opening action at Prizefighter. [Photo: Facebook]