Flooding Forces Saison To Close [With Update]

Last night's huge rainstorm caused flooding and sewage overflow that has forced Saison and Stable Cafe, and Humphry Slocombe to close for the next few days. Saison chef-owner Josh Skenes says he lost thousands in product overnight, and some of his equipment—including parts of his refrigeration system and a live tank where he stores langoustines and other shellfish—has been damaged. "And that's not to mention the reservations we're losing," says Skenes.

Looking back to 2009, a similar flood plagued the cafe and restaurant, which is situated at a low point on Folsom Street between 17th and 18th. Owner Thomas Lackey reported losing $29,000 when all was said and done, and although this year's damage isn't that dramatic, according to Skenes "it's still pretty bad." A lack of drainage is the major problem, and even though the city replaced pumps after the 2009 disaster, they were still overwhelmed by last night's deluge.

In nearby news, Humphry Slocombe's ice cream store was also flooded and their new shipment of cookbooks was destroyed. Skenes adds that El Tepa Taqueria (2198 Folsom St) down the street and numerous neighbors homes have been badly damaged too. Saison will be closed tonight and tomorrow with the hope of reopening on Saturday. "We have to make sure everything is perfect before we reopen," says Skenes. There can't be a smudge on the wall." To word yet on when Humphry Slocombe and El Tepa will reopen. [Update: Humphry Slocombe is up and running.]

· Storm Causes Sewage Overflow In San Francisco Mission District [CBS Local]
· Sewage Overflow Closes Stable Cafe, Saison, Affects Residents On Folsom St. [Mission Loc@l]
· Humphry Slocombe flooded [Mission Mission]