West of Pecos Gets Wood, Wine Kitchen Debuts

West of Pecos [Photo: Molly DeCoudreaux]

THE MISSION — West of Pecos (550 Valencia) has spruced up the building with new wood from a 150-year-old barn. Plans for the near future include acoustic music on select weeknights. [Grub Street]

LOWER HAIGHT — A 16-seat spot called Wine Kitchen (507 Divisadero) opens on January 10. There are more than 50 selections on the wine list (with half available by the glass) and expected menu highlights are fried gnocchi with short ribs and pork belly sliders. [Haighteration]

EAST BAY — It was previously reported that Oakland Restaurant Week is coming later this month, but that's not the only East Bay city that's got its marketing machine in gear. Berkeley Restaurant Week runs Jan. 13-20. [EBX]

EARLY WORD — Palo Alto's The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse (4269 El Camino Real) isn't just a place where entrees top $40. There's also purple cotton candy. The whole affair is likened to a fine jewelry store: "If Tiffany's recast itself as a restaurant. . . " [Food Gal]