Bistro Gambrinus Closing; Five Chef Departs

Bistro Gambrinus, on its way out. [Photo: Food Comas]

NOPA/WESTERN ADDITION—It looks like Eastern European beer hall Bistro Gambrinus at Fulton and Masonic is going to meet its end in the very near future, as there's been an application for a liquor-license transfer. We tried getting in touch with them to figure out more, but they've been mum; anyone who has intel on what's replacing them is encouraged to get in touch. [Grub Street]

BERKELEY—Chef Banks White has departed from Five in the Hotel Shattuck Plaza after a perfectly timed five years. He's on his way to Harlem, where he'll spearhead an unnamed casual fine-dining restaurant. The restaurant is hunting for a new executive chef; sous chefs Michael Binder and Geoffrey Phan will fill in in the meantime. [Berkeleyside Nosh]

FINANCIAL DISTRICT—Chef Nick Kelly of Barbacco just got back from exploring Italy, and he's using what he ate along the way to inspire three new monthlong menus at the restaurant, each from a different region. The first is Abruzzo, featuring fried mozzarella, pasta alla chitarra with lamb ragu, calamari crudo, a shellfish stew, and lamb skewers, among other dishes. Items run $10-19, and will be offered until the end of May; June and July will spotlight other regions of Italy. [EaterWire]

THE MISSION—On Monday, May 20, Izakaya Yuzuki will welcome Niichiro Marumoto, the owner and president of Marumoto Sake Brewery from Japan's Okoyama Prefecture. Marumoto, who farms his own organic sake rice (a rarity in Japan), will bring along four sakes, which will be paired with a five-course meal from chef Takashi Saito. There will be two seatings for the dinner, at 6:30 and 7:30; tickets are $100 before tax and tip, and reservations can be made online or by calling (415) 556-9898. [EaterWire]