The Six Big Deal Restaurants To Watch

'Tis Fall and the cup of restaurant openings is about to run over. Because suspense is fun, let's take stock of the most star-studded, notable openings on the calendar for the next few months. Most of the following "big deals" will grace us with their presence during the technical harvest time, however, please don't be horrified if things are delayed until after the winter solstice. Also, keep an eye out for our preview of neighborhood game-changers.

1) Dixie
Address: 1 Letterman Dr, in the Presidio
The Situation: Chef Joseph Humphrey, who earned Michelin stars at Meadowood and Murray Circle, finally gets his own personal project. He's taking over the former Pres A Vi to create an un-stuffy restaurant combining elements from California and the South.
Major Players: Chef-owner Joseph Humphrey, designer Michael Brennan, general manager Khalid Lahlou
Projected Opening: Late fall, "with any luck, right around Thanksgiving"
Buzz Factor: 7
Further Reading

2) Wo Hing General Store
Address: 584 Valencia St. (@ 17th)
The Situation: Charles Phan marks his poignant return to the original Slanted Door space with a new Chinese street food concept named after his father and uncle. Keeping things current are craft cocktails, local wines, and a brand new bar built-out on the ground level.
Major Players: Executive chef-owner Charles Phan, chef de cuisine Michelle Mah, bar manager Brooke Arthur
Projected Opening: Mid October
Buzz Factor: 8
Further Reading

3) Ritz-Carlton's new TBA restaurant
Address: 603 Stockton St @ Pine St.
The Situation: After 20 years in business, the Ritz completely hollowed out its formal Dining Room at the Ritz to make way for a total remodel and a new casual, modern dining concept.
Major Players: Chef Ron Siegel, others TBA
Projected Opening: Early to mid December
Buzz Factor: 6.5
Further Reading

4) State Bird Provisions
Address: 1529 Fillmore St. (btwn. O'Farrell and Geary)
The Situation: The beloved pair behind Rubicon are returning to restaurant land after a prolonged off-the-radar catering period. Their "fun and funky" new concept will combine a dim sum format with California fare. Krasinski describes State Bird as "like the best hors d'oeuvre party you've ever been to."
Major Players: Nicole Krasinski, Stuart Brioza, designer Charles De Lisle
Projected Opening: Mid-to-late November
Buzz Factor: 8
Further Reading

5) Keiko a Nob Hill
Address: 1250 Jones Street (near Clay St.)
The Situation: The esteemed (and Michelin-starred) former husband-and-wife team behind Mill Valley's El Paseo will bring a unique French-inflected kaiseki menu concept to San Francisco.
Major Players: Seigo Takei, Keiko Takahashi
Projected Opening: TBA Fall
Buzz Factor: 5
Further Reading

6) Tacolicious/Mosto
Address: 741 Valencia St.
The Situation: The team behind Tacolicious isn't just bringing another outpost to the Mission, they've added an adjacent tequila bar this time around. Mosto is backed by 300 tequilas, to be paired with "botanas" inspired by the owners' trips to Mexico City and Jalisco. Outdoor seating, and frozen margaritas (without all the fake stuff) should kick things up a notch.
Major Players: Owner Joe Hargrave and chef Telmo Faria
Projected Opening: Late October
Buzz Factor: 6
Further Reading