Turns Out the Cook Shortage Is Not Unique to SF, and More A.M. Intel

Sorry, chefs, but the cook shortage is nationwide

Much has been said about the issue of cook shortages in San Francisco. Turns out it’s not just SF: Thrillist writer Kevin Alexander has published a deep dive into the issue of The Great Cook Shortage, and every city is feeling the pain. Alexander explores what this problem can mean for the future of restaurants, in a long, but worth-the-read article, right this way.

SoMa’s DNA Lounge needs you to dance

San Francisco has never had much of a club scene, which is apparently especially evidenced by the fact that DNA Lounge, one of the city’s biggest clubs, is in financial trouble. In a blog post, owner Jamie Zawinski (who also owns DNA Pizza and Codeword) estimates that he is losing about $380,000 a year at the moment, and can only survive if 800 more people a week start lining up, SFist reports. He details several potential solutions, but ends with a simple plea for more patrons.

An Indian happy hour begins

One more happy hour to add to your list: new Indian restaurant August 1 Five is adding the daypart, weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For now, it’s a cocktail of the week for $8, select draft beers for $5, and select glasses of wine for $5. Food specials will join the party on Monday, December 26.

Say hello to a new Big Rec Taproom

The Mission’s Big Rec Taproom is now reopen under new ownership. Food is affordable, with most options under $10 (burgers, fried chicken sandwich), as the owners want to keep it a neighborhood-friendly sports bar. Hoodline’s got all the details here.

Where to find Christmas tamales

If tamales are your tradition on Christmas, then Luke Tsai has you covered. The East Bay Express food critic rounded up all the East Bay spots to make sure your Mexican needs are satisfied on Christmas Day.

Now local oysters are under threat, too

California’s shellfish woes continue, this time with bad news about local oysters. A new study found that major winter storms can cause freshwater to flood the Bay, lowering its salinity and leading to mass oyster death, SFist reports. The current oyster population is lower than the one five years ago.