Charin Summons the Ghost of Pop-Ups Past in Former Saison Space

Charin, the new pop-up in town, is set to launch in the same hallowed space that Saison once occupied, behind the Mission's Stable Cafe. As Inside Scoop reports, the aspiring concept comes from Charles-C Onyeama, a self-taught chef who has staged at Bay Area notables like Manresa, Benu and SPQR. Much like the adolescent iteration of Saison before it, Charin will use the space to host a series of prix-fixe dinners on select weekends, starting January 25-26.

"It's like a concept car; it's different, not restrained by anything that it should be or is supposed to be," Onyeama told Inside Scoop. His nine-course tasting menu certainly promises to be unique, with a price tag to match— dinner will run $115-$135, with optional wine pairings for $70-$90. Diners can expect whimsical dishes with arcane names, like "Inhale, a salty ocean breeze," composed of geoduck, Champagne grapes, sea beans and buttermilk foam. To support  his lofty aspirations, Onyeama has put together an A-team of experienced high-end restaurant pros, including sommelier Michael Ireland (Meadowood, Gather) and general manager Marc Hartenfels (Benu).

Interested diners can snag tickets on Table8; the first set of dinners are currently sold out, but users can subscribe to receive updates before they go on sale.