SF’s Only Guamanian Restaurant to Close

Bye for now, Prubechu

Prubechu, the only restaurant in the city specializing in the cuisine of Guam and the Marianas Islands, is set to close this month. The Mission district restaurant lasted about four years, but the owners are moving on due to rising rents and difficulties with the landlord — sadly, the usual story these days. Those curious to try the unique blend of Spanish, Japanese, and Filipino flavors of Guam have until Saturday, September 29.

Update, 4 p.m.: “The response we’ve gotten [to news of our closure] was super humbling,” says partner Shawn Camacho, who operates Prubechu with chef Shawn Naputi. “People want to experience Guam culture, and it’s a viable concept, so we’re stoked in that regard.”

From here, Camacho and Naputi hope to find pop-up and event opportunities, eventually with a new restaurant space. “It wasn’t for nothing that we were here — we’ll be back soon,” Camacho says.

Legalizing street food

Yesterday, Governor Jerry Brown signed the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, which decriminalizes the act of selling food on the street in California. That means people selling sliced fruit, grilled corn, or lumpia on sidewalks could apply for permits and business licenses, so long as their cities get on board and establish programs. It’s a huge win for a group largely comprised of immigrants.

Women in food

Soul Food Farm in Vacaville is hosting Women of Abundance: Women Entrepreneurs in the Regenerative Culture, Economy, and Community, an in-depth conversation about female empowerment and leadership between several important food industry figures, including Elizabeth Prueitt (Tartine), Nicolette Hahn Niman (Niman Ranch), and Kelly D. Carlisle (Acta Non Verba). Shakirah Simley will serve as the master of ceremonies. It takes place Saturday, September 22, but act fast because ticket sales end tomorrow.

A pub’s days could be numbered

A preliminary project application for a new 20-unit SRO building on Valencia Street has been filed with SF Planning. If it moves forward, it would mean that the building that currently exists there, which houses the Phoenix Irish Bar, would get demolished.