Ramen Specials Take Over Swanky Tenderloin Restaurant

Fresh ramen

The Tenderloin’s upscale cocktail bar and restaurant The Saratoga is hosting a series of ramen specials, starting this Wednesday, January 23, with chef Dennis Lee (Namu Gaji). Lee will debut his garlic sesame miso ramen with delicata squash, roasted tomato, and other veggies — available vegan, with an egg, or with chicken. The Saratoga’s chef Francisco Baca will keep the ramen vibes going with a new ramen special every Wednesday night through February 13.

The flavors of Africa

An ambitious West African restaurant opened in the East Bay yesterday. Afrique Restaurant & Entertainment serves staples like jollof rice and fufu platters, in addition to hosting regular music and dance nights. Owner Olakunle Ayodeji also plans to occasionally offer a platform for guest chefs visiting from different African countries. Find it at 2370 Buchanan Road in Antioch’s Orchard Square Business Complex.

Barbecue to Santana Row

Livermore-based Sauced BBQ & Spirits is bringing its smoky meats to San Jose — it’ll be the mini chain’s fifth location following Livermore, Petaluma, Walnut Creek, and Sacramento. The barbecue restaurant is slated to take over the former Roots and Rye space at 3055 Olin Avenue, Suite 1005 in Santana Row with reclaimed wood from barns in Georgia and North Carolina. No word yet on timing.

A new hotel restaurant for Santa Rosa

Renovations are coming for Santa Rosa’s historic Flamingo Hotel in 2020, including a new restaurant space via San Francisco’s Anderson Pugash and Benson Wang (Palm House, the Dorian, Bergerac). No firm details yet regarding that future restaurant, but it’ll likely reflect the hotel’s history — it opened in 1957 and became a hub for movie stars.

Cubanos by the people

Every month, the Mission’s Media Noche brings on a chef friend to create a special cubano with their own unique flair, with 10 percent of proceeds going to a charity of their choice. In March, the Media Noche team is doing something a little different. Instead of a Chef’s Cubano, it’ll serve a People’s Cubano, as envisioned by a diner and benefitting that diner’s chosen charity. Folks can either fill out a card at the restaurant or email Casey@MediaNocheSF.com with their name, phone number, cubano idea, and charity by January 31 for a chance to win.

Starbucks, even more everywhere than before

Starbucks Delivers, the new collab between the coffee giant and Uber Eats, arrives in San Francisco today. It’s the second city to get the new delivery service — which offers most of the Starbucks menu with a flat delivery fee of $2.49 — after Miami.