The Mission District of San Francisco is welcoming a new establishment: Brucato Amaro, a well-known distillery originating from SoMa. The expansive 6,000-square-foot facility, which includes a distillery, cocktail bar, and restaurant, is set to officially open its doors on Thursday, March 28.

Founded seven years ago by Sierra and James Clark in a modest 400-square-foot loft, Brucato Amaro has cultivated a dedicated following over the years. This marks a significant milestone as the new location becomes San Francisco’s only distillery and restaurant since the closure of Seven Stills in 2022.

What to Expect at the New Location

Located at 275 Van Ness Avenue, the revamped Brucato Amaro promises an enjoyable dining experience featuring the culinary expertise of Chef Chip King, who was previously the chef de cuisine at Merchant Roots. The menu will include innovative dishes such as:

• Fresh bread served with cacio e pepe cultured butter
• Saffron pasta garnished with sardines, fennel, and pine nuts

Dining options will be available upon opening, with lunch service set to launch in April. Additionally, the distillery will offer tours, which will be available for booking starting in late April.

Santa Cruz Food Bank Faces Financial Challenges

In stark contrast to the vibrant developments in the Bay Area, the Second Harvest Food Bank in Santa Cruz County is experiencing a significant financial setback due to a freeze on federal funding, amounting to a staggering $700,000. Recently reported by Lookout, this funding gap could potentially translate into a loss exceeding 3 million meals for those in need.

Moreover, additional funding of $360,000 from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program—the initiative aimed at supporting local farmers—may also be at risk. In light of these challenges, the nonprofit is urging the community to participate in fundraising efforts to bridge the gap.

Walnut Creek Yacht Club to Close After Nearly 30 Years

In another notable transition, the Walnut Creek Yacht Club, a popular seafood destination in the East Bay, will close its doors on Wednesday, May 7. Owners Ellen McCarty and Kevin Weinberg have announced their retirement after nearly 30 years of operation. Rather than sell and risk its reputation, they have opted for closure. As Weinberg noted, “People say, ‘it’s not the same,’ or, ‘they changed things, they don’t do the fish and chips, and they changed the chowder recipe.’”

High-End Dining Series Returns to San Francisco

In the realm of culinary offerings, the Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group’s “Eat Like A Chef, Drink Like A Somm” series is making a comeback this spring in San Francisco. This monthly event pairs Chef Jason Halverson with local culinary talent to present exclusive five-course dinners priced at $115 per guest, with all proceeds supporting the culinary training nonprofit, Sprouts Chef Training. Participating restaurants include well-regarded establishments such as 7 Adams, Dalida, Burdell, and Che Fico. Tickets for these dining experiences became available on March 25 via OpenTable.