Caffe Roma Has Closed in North Beach After All

Caffe Roma’s North Beach location has shuttered after all

After the sale of their business fell through in January, Caffe Roma’s owners have been operating it on borrowed time. Now they’ve decided to close for good. Apparently the space has been emptied, and a for lease sign hangs in the window; the landlord says they’re willing to lease again, or sell the entire building, so no word yet on what may take its place.

Lazy Bear guest chef series will bring in some non-SF talent

The two-Michelin-starred supper club in the Mission is adding some additional talent to the roster with a guest chef series. Chefs aren’t from around here, either, so it might be a good chance for a taste of non-Bay Area perspectives like those of Matthew Lambert (NYC’s Musket Room) and Iliana Regan (Chicago’s Elizabeth Restaurant). Tickets will be released Monday, March 19 at 10am and start at $225/person via Lazy Bear’s site.

Staffing woes are partially to blame for spate of Pieology closings

The quick-baking pizza chain has abruptly closed eight of its locations, including Palo Alto, Newark, Daly City, Foster City, and three in San jose. According to Mercury News report, an employee blamed staffing issues in Silicon Valley on the Cupertino closure, highlighting the disparity of wealth in the region that continues to throttle the restaurant industry.

Natural wine’s exuberant imperfection is gaining popularity

“Natty wine,” the affectionate nickname for wines made with low-intervention (e.g. no use of preservatives like sulfites) is growing in popularity with California winemakers. The SF Chronicle’s wine writer Esther Mobley shares some thoughts on the matter following Brumaire, the natural wine fair at Oakland’s Starline Social Club that drew hundreds (with a wait list of hundreds more) of fans of the genre. Read more here.

Baskin-Robbins is giving away free milkshakes on Saturday

Is it the luck of the Irish or just a marketing tactic to lure customers to Baskin-Robbins? Either way, stop by a Bay Area Baskin-Robbins to taste their Mint Chip ‘n OREO® Cookies Milkshake for free on St. Patrick’s Day (Saturday, March 17) from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.