Upper Haight Cocktail Bar the Alembic Reopens Saturday With New Book Smarts

The Alembic reopens after remodel

Book and drink lovers rejoice: Haight Ashbury’s most respected cocktail bar, the Alembic, is back open under new literary management as of this Saturday. After Alembic owner Magnolia Brewery declared bankruptcy in 2015 — don’t worry, it’s now been bought by Colorado’s New Belgium and will keep on brewing — the Haight Street cocktail bar was in ownership flux. Then nearby bookstore the Booksmith stepped in, pulling in the team behind the bookish Hayes Valley bar Two Sisters Bar and Books, which closed in 2017. The Alembic’s kitchen reopens on May 29th with Dillon Barry, previously of Johnson’s Saltbox, in charge there. And the partnership with the Booksmith and the Bindery, the bookstore’s dedicated events space, allows books for browsing and for sale at the bar. Dreamy.

Sugoi Sushi suddenly closed

Neighborhood sushi spot Sugoi Sushi at 1152 Valencia Street suddenly closed this past weekend. The circumstances aren’t clear, and Eater SF has reached out to the restaurant to learn more.

Meals on Wheels lands $3.3 million at gala

Sunday night’s Meals on Wheels Star Chefs & Vintners Gala raised a record-setting $3.3 million. 14-year chef’s chair Nancy Oakes organized the 100 chefs and vintners represented, and is owed the lion’s share of the credit for the event. Meals on Wheels serves more than two million meals a year.

Here’s W. Kamau Bell at this weekend’s big Oakland BBQ

Oakland’s “BBQing While Back” festival this past weekend, a reaction to a white woman who called 911 on a group of black barbecuers, had some serious celeb attendees. Angela Davis, for one, was there, and so was W. Kamau Bell: The East Bay comedian was there promoting his new comedy special.