New Tenants in Notable Locations

The iconic space once occupied by Le Colonial at 20 Cosmo Place has found a new tenant. Juan Loredo and Jose Natividad, known for their bar Persona and other establishments in Burlingame, will be taking over this historic venue, which once hosted Trader Vic’s from the 1950s to the 1990s. Plans for the 16,000-square-foot space remain undisclosed, but a proposal to transform a nearby parking lot into a park may enhance its surroundings.

Meanwhile, a transformation is underway at 340 Jefferson Street, where the former home of Pompei’s Grotto is set to become Chasca Rio, a Salvadoran restaurant co-managed by former Boudin Bakery owner Lou Giraudo. This initiative aligns with a larger $550 million development plan for Pier 45, which aims to include a fish market, brewery, and hotel services. Significantly, Giraudo’s son, Dan, currently operating Boudin Bakery, opposes the development, marking an interesting family dynamic.

Sweet Additions to the Castro and the Ferry Building

The Castro neighborhood is set to welcome Leadbetter’s Bakeshop, a bakery specializing in thick English muffins. Located at 554 Castro Street, the shop is expected to open in mid-May, with hours from Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 7 or 8 AM. Owner Jamieson Leadbetter aims to revive his popular muffins, previously unavailable since 2015, offering flavors like whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, and roasted onion alongside breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Additionally, Fatted Calf has reopened in the Ferry Building with a renovated space, now featuring expanded seating and an enlarged meat and cheese selection. Open hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, with services extending until 4 PM on Sundays.

New Ventures in Valencia and Mission Bay

A new dining option has emerged in the Mission District at the former Pi Bar location. Hi Hat now serves pizza, burgers, wings, and beer, and they are hosting an artist’s reception to celebrate their opening from 5 to 8 PM tonight.

Moving over to Mission Bay, the San Francisco Brewing Co. will take over the old Seven Stills brewery space at 100 Hooper Street. This expansion from their Ghirardelli Square location aims for an August opening, promising a brewpub atmosphere complemented by a food menu similar to the original site.

Celebrity Chef Expands in Paso Robles

In Paso Robles, renowned chef Charlie Palmer will be taking charge of several hotel restaurant spaces. The slots formerly occupied by The Steakhouse at Paso Robles Inn, Cattlemen’s Lounge, and the rooftop bar Tetto are set for new concepts under Palmer’s stewardship, further enriching the local dining scene.

Restaurant Insights from Oakland

In Oakland, the rising star restaurant Sirene has garnered a glowing review from Associate Critic Cesar Hernandez, who described it as the “best new restaurant of the year so far.” Featuring a unique shellfish charcuterie and praised for its fried chicken, Sirene is a burgeoning hotspot that food enthusiasts won’t want to miss.