Shutter Report: Urchin Bistrot, Luna Park and La Borinquena Give Notice

This week, Inside Scoop broke the news that Urchin Bistrot would close its doors at the end of July, just shy of its one year anniversary. The restaurant is owned by Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani, the husband-wife duo behind St. Helena's Terra and Ame in SoMa. And although it was opened by established restaurateurs, the restaurant was never able to find its place in the rapidly shifting Mission landscape. According to Doumani, the duo were operating under a more traditional mindset, offering an a la carte and prix fixe menu. When it became clear that a change might be in order, Doumani says "it may have been too late." In the end, San Francisco's high rent, taxes and other complications didn't leave much wiggle room to work out the kinks, prompting Sone and Doumani to shutter the young restaurant. However, Doumani says "The good part is that whoever was coming in the door had curiosity, and were willing to try something new." The couples other restaurants are unaffected, and will remain open as usual.

Over the past year Luna Park has been almost sold to Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack Group, actually sold to the crew behind Mission Beach Café, and now shuttered. According to Inside Scoop, the 15-year-old restaurant's closure was somewhat unplanned, though not unexpected. Current owner A.J. Gilbert said that since it wasn't a problem for the buyer, it was time to close because "it wasn't really making money at all." Apparently some building code violations may also have influenced the decision to cut ties.

And over in the East Bay, one of Oakland's oldest restaurants will also close its doors at the end of July. La Borinquena Mexicatessen is shutting down after more than 70 years in business, according to Inside Scoop. And though it was a difficult decision to close the business, the Ramos family was ready to retire. Their last day of business will be July 31, so head down for a final taste and say goodbye.