Sleepy SF Could Soon Drink Until 4 A.M. and More Intel

California late night booze bill approved by committee

A proposal to allow, but not require, local California governments to extend last call for alcohol at bars beyond the current, statewide 2 a.m. status quo (until as late as 4 a.m.) cleared another legislative hurdle yesterday. Senate Bill 384, authored by San Francisco’s Scott Wiener, passed the State Assembly’s Government Organization Committee in a 15 to 4 vote, sending it to through to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. If passed there, SB 384 would head to a full Assembly vote, and it’s already been approved by the State Senate. “Nightlife is key for the culture and economy of many cities, and we should allow cities to shape their own nightlifes,” Wiener wrote in response to the latest success of his bill.

Babu Ji settles NYC wage lawsuit for $130K

Contemporary Indian restaurant Babu Ji, originally from Australia, expanded to San Francisco from New York City last year, only to suddenly close its East Coast location amid a wage lawsuit. That was the second such suit against Babu Ji owners Jessi and Jennifer Singh, with workers alleging the couple withheld tips and overtime pay from them and — allegedly — verbally abused them, too. The suit has now been settled for $130,000. The Singhs admit no wrongdoing, and Babu Ji New York has reopened at a new location.

Union Street’s Ottimista Enoteca-Café is up for sale

The 2005-opened restaurant Ottimista at 1838 Union Street is up for grabs, seeking a buyer for its liquor license, fixtures, and furniture as soon as the end of the month. The rent is “below market rate” — perhaps because at least 15 storefront on this stretch of Union Street, between Steiner and Gough, are turning over to new tenants or sitting empty.

Bay Area chefs lead cannabis cuisine movement

According to the SF Chronicle-affiliated pot industry site GreenState, three of the country’s top 10 marijuana chefs, are right here in the Bay Area. The trio: Michael Magallanes (Mourad, Aziza), Coreen Carroll (SF Cheese School, 4505 Meats), and Payton Curry (Quince, Ame). With edibles, high-dining, and weed pairing dinners seen as a new frontier for chefs, these are some players to keep an eye on.