Benu Menu Changes, 2223 Closes, More!

[Photo: EaterSF Flickr Pool/cozysf]
MENUAGE — A reader writes in to inform of a key change over at Benu (22 Hawthorne St.). The extravaganza known as the $180 tasting menu will herewith be the only dining option at the restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays. [EaterWire]

CASTRO — Its fate first mentioned back in September, 2223 has officially shuttered over the weekend. In its place will arise Jake's (2223 Market St.), a spot for American comfort food cooked up by Top Chef/Circa/Long Bar alum Erik Hopfinger, with an opening date yet to be determined. [Grub Street]

MISSION — The brawl for fastest female bartender in America that organizers liken to a roller derby throwdown, Speed Rack has just announced the 18 finalists for the competition to take place at Brick and Mortar Music Hall on January 8. Among the competitors are some bar stars you might recognize like Brooke Arthur of Wo Hing General Store, Jennifer Colliau of Slanted Door, and other lady tenders from the likes of Rye, Beretta, Rickhouse, Laszlo and Bourbon and Branch. Purchase tickets—which include punch, cocktails, beer and food from Beretta—ahead of time here or pay $25 at the door. [EaterWire]

RICHMOND — The heartwarming food story of the day belongs to the Avenues. Denizens of the Richmond (212 of 'em, to be precise) have donated close to $20,000 to keep Bazaar Cafe (5927 California St.) afloat; the proprietor had hoped to raise only $7000. [Richmond District Blog]

BERKELEY — Breakfast and lunch joint Meal Ticket (1235 San Pablo Ave.) has taken the notion of a holiday vacation to the extreme. A sign in the window of the self-described mom-and-pop restaurant cites February 3 as the date when it will get back to work. [EaterWire]