New Liquor Licenses Announced For Outer SF Neighborhoods

For SF’s outer neighborhoods, a new license to chill

The ABC announced its new Type 87 liquor licenses this week, which will be issued this fall. They’re the “Neighborhood Restricted Special On-Sale General Licenses” called for by a law passed last year entitling specific outer SF neighborhood business corridors to new liquor licenses. Five Type 87 licenses will go to new or existing business on Third Street in the Bayview, outer Mission Street in the Excelsior, San Bruno Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Noriega Street, Taraval Street, and Visitacion Valley, and they’ll cost $13,800 each, rather than the $300,000 or more that existing licenses often command on the secondary market. Meanwhile, a bill already passed by the state assembly would expand the number of Type 87 licenses from 5 to 30.

The Castro’s Mekong Kitchen has closed

Castro Vietnamese restaurant Mekong Kitchen has shuttered at 4039 18th Street (between Noe and Hartford). It opened in 2015. “Ownership has decided to pursue other opportunities and have since closed the business,” a sign discloses. The business was listed as for sale, for $375,000, in December.

Pizza champ Tony Gemignani opening North Beach pasta shop

The chef behind famed North Beach pizza institution Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Tony Gemignani, is expanding his repertoire with a new Italian food store and fresh pasta shop. It’s called Giovanni Italian Specialties (629 Union Street (between Columbus Avenue and Stockton Street), and it’s not open just yet, but tantalizing all the same.

Wise Sons bows out of Tuesday, Thursday Ferry Building Farmers Markets

After next Tuesday 8/22 and next Thursday 8/17, Wise Sons will only be at the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturdays. The business began in earnest there, but has now spread its wings with its fourth permanent location opened in Marin in July and another on the way to Hayes Valley.

KronnerBurger is coming to Hayes Valley

Oakland’s KronnerBurger is back on its original pop up grind with an appearance in Hayes Valley this Saturday. The location: Anina, an outdoor drinking hotspot thanks to punch bowls and picnic tables. Chef Chris Kronner’s rare and salty burgers, as well as his take on the meatless Impossible Burger, will be available from 12 through 9 p.m.

Stones Throw’s August and September dinners benefit Meals on Wheels

The Russian Hill restaurant continues its series of Eat Like a Chef, Drink Like a Somm, the monthly charity dinners featuring SF guest chefs. For August and September’s dinners, Wayfare Tavern and Nopa are joining the party. First up is Wayfare Tavern on Monday, August 28, followed by Nopa on Monday, September 25. Both will be five-course prix fixe menus with optional wine pairings, with proceeds benefitting Meals on Wheels. It’s a pretty good deal: For $60 diners get a fancy dinner and the satisfaction of helping others. Past dinners have featured chefs from Mourad, Dominique Crenn, and more. Make a reservation via Resy; dinner is at 6 p.m.