THE MISSION - Just as Grubstreet squelches last year's rumor about New York's Brooklyn Bowl possibly coming to the Mission, Madame Hopper breaks news that owners of NoPa's Mini Bar plan to build a nameless six-lane bowling alley at a TBA Mission address. The venue will have a full bar with a cocktail program; they're also looking for a chef or restaurant to come in and do a San Francisco-ized take on typical concession fare. So, not your typical bowling alley! There's talk of an outdoor patio, covered bike parking and even a nifty floor plan you can check out here courtesy of Tablehopper. Expected opening is spring 2012, for real. [GrubStreet, Tablehopper]
MARINA - We've been told R3 Builders have begun work on the first NorCal outpost of sleek Italy-based frozen yogurt chain Yogorino. It should show up at 2214 Chestnut Street where Sweet Dish used to be. The ETA for now is June and you can check out the Facebook page for possible updates. [This just in: Yogorino will also open at outpost at Embarcardero 4 near Osha in May. More on this when we reach the owners. ] [EaterWire]
THE MISSION - Looks like the aforementioned changes at B³ are happening this week. GrubStreet says they'll start a tasting program with set prices in an effort to reinstate their focus on California wines. They've also added what sounds like a huge community table with 29 seats (!) and a new food menu with liberal inclusion of burbon and beer as ingredients. Check it, here.
SOUTH BEACH - Tres held a Herradura tequila cocktail competition last night. Peter Vestinos of Long Bar and Prospect beat out competitors from Spruce, John Collins, Zero Zero, Azul and some other bars. The event raised $1400 for the Bartender Relief Fund. Alcademics has some action shots. [EaterWire]
[Photo: Tablehopper]