We were graced with the openings of Southern Pacific Smokehouse and Ki this week, but lots of other new spots have snuck onto the radar of late. Let's take a look.
Don't let the "trattoria" sign fool you. [Photo: ISSF]
NORTH BEACH - The Naan-n-Curry folks opened Maza in the old Pasta Pomodoro space on Union Street earlier this week. Sounds as if it's a lot like Naan-n-Curry, but with specials. [ISSF]
THE MISSION - A family from southern Mexico has opened a new little thing called Ox Cafe at 798 South Van Ness. Tablehopper's intern says to look out for the cochinita pibil torta and a mocha laced with chocolate and chile. [Tablehopper]
WINE COUNTRY - Josh Silvers' revamp of Syrah as Petite Syrah is already done. As per Signore Lucchesi over at the Chron, it now fits the more noncommital desires of the dining public with lower prices, salvaged wood interior touches (for the tree hugger in all of us) and a more casual feel overall. [ISSF]
PALO ALTO - One-time Bauer Top 100 Indian restaurant Mantra has just completed a revamp. They now offer a more casual "modernized" Indian menu, with smaller plates from former Junoon chef Shachi Mehra. They've lowered prices, added a happy hour and redone the interior to make it cooler. Now it has a lounge. Maybe Bauer will truck it out there for a revisit. [EaterWire]
SAN CARLOS - The Italian family behind Acqua Pazza in San Mateo has opened Locanda Positano at 617 Laurel Street, bringing San Carlos its first bona fide Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan pizza. They've got a Valoriani Verace wood-burning oven and artisanal cocktails; so the Beretta of San Carlos? [EaterWire]
BURLINGAME - The owners of downtown Burlingame's Vinyl Room have opened Barrelhouse, a nice bar with food made by Straights next door. Behind the interior design is Lauren Geremia, the same woman helping with Churchill in the Castro, and Michael Laurence Design. The classic cocktail program includes barrel-aged sangria. Here's a look at the bar bites menu, still in the works. [EaterWire]
THE NUT - Walnut Creek's outpost of "chef-driven" quick-service spot Tender Greens (1360 Locust Street) "softly opened" last Friday. Chef Charles Hechinger does indeed have the requisite French stage and has worked at Silks and Boulevard. Early selling points include organic strawberry pop tarts and local farm-sourced salads. [EaterWire]
We so want to hear what you think of these newcomers. Drop opinions in the comments or send them here.
