SOMA/NAPA—Congrats to Saison and La Toque, which are two of the six restaurants to be newly inducted into Wine Spectator's Grand Award group. There are only 74 restaurants worldwide in the cohort; SF's other, longer-term members are Acquerello, Gary Danko, and RN74. They're required to offer 1,500 or more selections, which is...a lot of wine. [Wine Spectator]
RUSSIAN HILL—Stones Throw has a new bartender in Tyler Groom, a Michael Mina alum. He'll be working to offer loophole cocktails with ingredients like chokecherry mead and homemade Pimm's (Stones Throw doesn't have full liquor). They've also added new bargain wine and pinot noir offerings to their already sizable beer and wine menus. [EaterWire]
THE EMBARCADERO—Sundae fiends should make a date for Epic Roasthouse, which now offers a massive DIY sundae menu with options like brownie chunks, black cherries, and homemade "Magic Shell." [EaterWire]
ROCKRIDGE/SILICON VALLEY—Ramen Shop, Orenchi, and San Jose's Halu have all made the cut for Thrillist's list of America's top ramen purveyors. Discuss. [Thrillist]
