The French Laundry Reopens Following Tragic North Bay Fires

Napa’s fine-dining giants reopen

After raging wildfires that killed 41 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, the North Bay has begun to assess the damage and start the process of rebuilding. The fires have reached high levels of containment at this point, allowing employees and the community to return to their homes and resume work. The French Laundry to open its doors to the public today, and The Restaurant at Meadowood to follow suit on October 19; The Charter Oak will reopen on October 17. Chris Cosentino’s Acacia House in St. Helena has been open and serving free meals to first responders and community members since Monday, Napa’s Torc reopened on Friday, Oct 13, and many others are on the way. Spending money at local businesses is one way to get things back on track; check in with restaurants before heading North.

The Fillmore District is getting Korean brunch

Gussie’s Chicken and Waffles vacated its space at 1521 Eddy St. in 2014; now it’s finally getting a new tenant called Fillmore Social Club, from the owners of Berkeley Social Club, Sweet Maple, and Kitchen Story. If it’s anything like its East Bay counterpart, expect the signature millionaire’s bacon, “Korean-fusion” dishes, and soju cocktails, plus a rowdy brunch scene. They’re planning to serve Korean food during the week, and American food on the weekends.

North Beach’s changing landscape

Several Italian (and otherwise) institutions have shut down operations in recent memory, including Pantarei, Caffe Roma, Rose Pistola, and now L’Osteria Del Forno. Though a sign says its closed for renovations, the L’osteria team told the Chronicle that they weren’t sure where the restaurant was headed when the work was done. OpenTable is shut down, and the phone is disconnected, for now at least.

Black Diamond Brewery closes in the East Bay

After 23 years, the small craft brewery has closed its doors for good. The brewery announced the closure in a Facebook post: “Due to unfortunate circumstances the locks have been changed and Black Diamond Brewery is closed for the foreseeable future. Thank you to everyone who supported us during our 23 year run! ” No other details were available on the closure, but circumstances in which the locks have been changed are never good. Stay tuned for more.