Liza Shaw Opening Sandwich Shop, Merigan

Aside from consulting for pizza programs at Redd Wood and Pizzando in wine country, former A16 chef Liza Shaw has mostly been off the map of late. Now, Tablehopper reports that Shaw is back in the game: she just signed a lease for Merigan, a new sub shop in SOMA near AT&T Park. Named for what Italian immigrants used to call Americans (though Shaw herself isn't Italian), the shop will feature 10-15 hot and cold sandwiches, inspired by East Coast hoagies and Italian delis. She'll be doing whole-animal butchery to produce options like porchetta, housemade meatballs, roast beef with horseradish ricotta, and the vegetarian panelle, with ceci bean fritters, ricotta, pecorino, tomato conserva, and arugula.

All the sandwich options will be served on seeded Italian rolls, accompanied by sides like house-pickled peppers, potato salad, chicharrones, and a daily rotating soup. Salted chocolate-chip cookies, Italian ice, and zeppole will be available for dessert, and beer and wine will be offered on tap. The space is mostly designed for takeout (and should be a great clutch alternative for the ballpark, which allows outside food), but with 35 seats, the occasional Sunday supper is also a possibility. She's currently targeting a September opening.

· Coming in September from Liza Shaw: Merigan Sub Shop [Tablehopper]