By Tess Minsky Life and times have presented Kirk Webber with plenty of opportunities to test his mettle — or to turn toque and run from Cafe Kati, the restaurant he founded nearly 20 years ago. He got robbed eight times, went through some tumultuous personal periods and, most recently, survived a bout with an [...]
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PERUVIAN CONNECTION
NOW OPEN ON FILLMORE
Peruvian Connection has opened at 2326 Fillmore. The company is known for its fine knits and alpaca sweaters made by artisan weavers in the Andes. Previously sold through its catalog and online, PC now has a handful of retail stores around the country.
Started in 1976 by a mother-daughter team from Kansas, Peruvian Connection was inspired by anthropology research the daughter conducted on women in the Andean marketplaces of Peru. Its offerings include pima cotton and alpaca wool creations and unique handknit designs.
A STUDIO FOR
JAMAROO KIDS
A new business that bills itself as “a fun place for parents to mingle and hang out while their children play and take classes” is opening October 1 at 2001 Pine Street. Jamaroo Kids will offer classes in dance, music, yoga and art to children seven and under.
COMING SOON
TO THE STREET
The transformation of Fillmore Hardware at 1930 Fillmore into Cotelac, a clothing line from France, is nearing completion.
. . . One Medical Group is opening soon in stylish new offices at 2410 California Street, formerly the second location of Zinc Details. Zinc has now consolidated its operations at 1905 Fillmore.
. . . A new perfumerie is in the works at 2238 Fillmore, the former home of the Aumakua jewelry and craft shop.
. . . And Chase Bank's plans for a new branch in the neighborhood squeaked through the Planning Commission October 13 on a 4-3 vote. The branch will be located at 2429 California Street, the longtime home of Esrik Cleaners.
CURVE OPENS,
SELLING STYLE
“I like to say we sell style, not fashion,” says Bulgarian-born Nevena Borissova, who recently opened women’s clothing boutique Curve at 2360 Fillmore, at the corner of Washington.
Borissova, a former stylist, curates the collection — pulling from established labels such as Alexander Wang, Thierry Mugler and Viktor & Rolf, along with indie designers and vintage wear. The eclectic offerings include casual jeans, tees and sweaters, formal wear and accessories. The prices range wildly, too — from a $50 scarf to a $11,220 McQueen gown.
“It’s not about price; it’s about style,” says Borissova. “We mix really high end with lower end pieces. That’s how people really dress. You can wear a $30 scarf with a $1,000 dress.”
The Fillmore location is the fourth Curve; the first launched in L.A. in 1997, followed by New York and a “concept” store in the hotel Gansevoort Miami Beach.
3 NEW RESTAURANTS
IN THE JAZZ DISTRICT
Three new restaurants are in the works on Fillmore south of Geary in the Fillmore Jazz District. All three will be in the old Century Theater building, which formerly housed Harput’s, at 1525, 1527 and 1529 Fillmore. And all three look to be exciting and inventive new spots.
Details have already begun to emerge about State Bird Provisions, an unusual new concept slated to open in November at 1529 Fillmore. It will be a reincarnation for the husband and wife culinary team that ran Rubicon, the ex-Financial District mainstay. The concept is mostly small plates offered on carts and trays.
It’s named for the quail, California’s state bird, which stars in chef Stuart Brioza’s signature crispy spiced quail dish.
“So far, so good,” says Brioza of their progress. “I love that first block of Fillmore south of Geary. It needs a little sprucing, but the old buildings and the old feel are great.”
The space next door at 1527 Fillmore will house Hapa, from Nopa veteran Richie Nakano, who will keep his Hapa Ramen stand at the Ferry Building.
Still to be announced: plans for the even more ambitious restaurant coming to 1525 Fillmore.
