Nomica Debuts, Bon Marche Closes, More A.M. Intel

Japanese drinking den Nomica hits the scene

The Sushi Ran team’s first-ever expansion has officially made its debut, as of yesterday, August 31. Nomica, a rowdier, izakaya-style spot, is now open for dinner daily from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., taking reservations over the phone, online through Resy, or just by walking on in. Peek the most updated versions of menus below, and see photos of the space here.

Bon Marché goes dark

After Bon Marché, the upscale Parisian-inspired Mid-Market restaurant and brewery from Mercer Restaurant Group (AQ, Fénix), listed itself for sale in July, it was only a matter of time until news came of its next iteration. Now, Inside Scoop reports that it is currently closed, and has been all week. Owner Matt Semmelhack is remaining mum on the space’s fate. Stay tuned for more details.

Ghirardelli Square beer garden comes to an end

Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square’s summer Lagunitas beer garden pop-up is making an exit along with the season. This weekend will be its last, with the official close on Monday, September 5 at 7 p.m.

Boxing Room chef shuffle

Boxing Room executive chef Justin Simoneaux has decided to return to his native New Orleans, which means his time at the Bayou restaurant has come to an end. Stepping up now is long-time sous chef Athman El-Kindiy (formerly from Bar Crudo), with guidance from Absinthe executive chef Adam Keough during the transition.

Off the Grid Berkeley is back

Berkeley’s Off the Grid will return Sunday, September 11 (and every Sunday thereafter) at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will rotate, but include Smoke’s Poutine, Canasta, Passione Pizza, Lexie’s Custard, Cupkates, Flavors of Ethiopia, Curry Up Now, Curbside Kitchen, and more.

Souvla releases private label wines

Kassie Borreson

The latest chapter in Souvla’s quest for world domination is the release of its private label Greek wines, which are now on sale at Souvla, Bi-Rite, and Arlequin. Greek wine producer George Skouras worked on these wines — a white, rose, and red — with the Souvla team.

Curious how to open a restaurant?

A panel of esteemed experts — restaurant consultant Alison Arth, Souvla’s Charles Bililies, The Riddler’s Jen Pelka, restaurant lawyer Roberta Economidis, and The Culinary Edge’s Jeff Newman — are gathering together to impart their knowledge on what it takes to open a restaurant in San Francisco. Topics to be discussed include how to navigate permitting, legal requirements, taxes, etc. To attend, be at the St. Regis San Francisco today (September 1) at 6 p.m.