News from the Heart & Soul of San Francisco
OPENING SOON in the former home of Johnny Rockets at the corner of Fillmore and Pine: Glaze, which is promising to bring Seattle-style teriyaki via New York to the edge of Japantown. It’s the brainchild of Paul Krug and Ian McCormick, childhood friends in Seattle who loved their city’s signature brand of teriyaki introduced by…
By Barbara Kate Repa SPURRED BY CONCERNS that the local shopping district is losing its charm and uniqueness as corporate labels gobble up real estate on Fillmore Street, some business owners are now attempting to block a newcomer — Oska, a German-based clothing company — from moving into the neighborhood. The charge is being led…
SACRAMENTO STREET’S collection of antique shops, interior designers and home accessory stores got a boost — in offerings and experience — when Hudson Grace opened at 3350 Sacramento a few weeks ago. The new store is the brainchild of Monelle Totah and Gary McNatton, who helped build Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, the Gap and Restoration Hardware…
A HANDSOME NEW BOOK — melodiously titled A Dream Begun So Long Ago — chronicles the life of photographer David Johnson from his childhood, shuffling through the care of various adults in segregated Jacksonville, Florida, through his on-and-off relationship with the art of photography. Now it’s firmly on again as the 86-year-old relishes his recognition…
JOSH MIELE can often be spotted on Fillmore Street, taking a lunch break or coming and going from his work as a scientist at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute at 2318 Fillmore. In a powerful story published today, The New York Times tells how a neighbor’s attack with sulfuric acid blinded and disfigured him when…
By MICHELE MANDELL Its unassuming storefront and the all-lowercase spelling of the new b. patisserie at 2821 California Street, near Divisadero, might convey a self-effacing vibe, but there is nothing small about Belinda Leong’s tres chic pastry shop, which opened just before Valentine’s Day. Leong’s impressive pedigree includes stints with Michelin-starred heavyweights Manresa and Gary…
FIRST PERSON | KEVIN BLUM It’s last call for Solstice Lounge. After a successful 10-year run, the neighborhood favorite at 2801 California and Divisadero will be closing its doors for good on Saturday, March 2. The landlord, who also owns Rasselas and Sheba Piano Lounge on Fillmore Street, proposed to raise the monthly rent by…
The six-story building at Webster and Sacramento Streets that is home of the dental school of the University of the Pacific — which is scheduled to move downtown next year to Fifth Street — may be converted into condominiums. Trumark Urban, a privately owned development company based in Danville, is exploring the possibility of creating…
A MINI-TREND to establish individual Little Free Libraries, begun in the Midwest in 2009, has led to the creation of thousands of libraries throughout the United States and in at least 17 other countries. And now there’s a Little Free Library in the Fillmore. Bibliophiles who pass by 2223 Sutter Street, near Scott, will find…
SALOONS | Chris Barnett What is a gentlemanly ex-plumber from the Sunset doing running a hot new Hawaiian-themed saloon, eatery and live music lounge in the Fillmore? And at a time when many publords are quietly pushing up prices and skimping on portions and pours, how can James Cheng’s Pa’ina Lounge & Restaurant host an…