This week in the food scene, there’s a mix of good and bad news. The Happy Crane is moving from pop-up to a permanent space in Hayes Valley. A new Afghan restaurant called Jaji is set to open next week. Sadly, Mission’s Turner’s Kitchen has announced that it will close.
In a major loss for the culinary community, chef Charles Phan, known for his iconic restaurant Slanted Door, passed away at 62 due to cardiac arrest. Phan had a remarkable career, creating a collection of restaurants in the Bay Area and a recent venture in France. His locations in Napa and San Ramon are still open, but the future of the original Slanted Door on Valencia Street remains uncertain. Friends and colleagues have shared their tributes, recalling his impact on the food scene.
Meanwhile, George’s Donuts & Merriment, a new doughnut and café spot in West Portal, has faced backlash after news broke of the owner’s $1 million donation to the Trump inauguration fund. The café is just a few weeks old and has attracted a surge of one-star reviews from locals unhappy about the donation.
A fresh addition to the dining scene is The Happy Crane, taking over the former Monsieur Benjamin space at 451 Gough Street. Chef James Yeun Leong Parry, with experience in Michelin-star kitchens, plans to offer an a la carte menu along with a shorter prix fixe option. He aims to elevate traditional dishes while also presenting creative contemporary flavors. Look for this restaurant to open in the summer.
Next Thursday, modern Afghan restaurant Jaji will open its doors in Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood. Created by husband and wife duo Paul Iglesias and Sophia Akbar, this restaurant adds another layer to their culinary journey, focusing on a casual take on Afghan cuisine.
In other news, Turner’s Kitchen, a small sandwich shop in the Mission known for its unique offerings, is closing at the end of the month. Chef Ken Turner expressed a desire to slow down and take a break while hinting at future pop-up events. He has plans but isn’t selling the shop, leaving the door open for a possible return.
In the Castro, Il Casaro has announced what is being described as a “temporary” closure due to lacking foot traffic. They continue to operate their original location in North Beach, which recently reopened after renovations.
Lastly, the collaboration between Ayesha Curry and Michael Mina, known as International Smoke, has closed its Las Vegas location at MGM Grand. The restaurant, which launched in San Francisco in 2018, closed its doors on January 19.
Check out this related article: Protect Yourself: The Surging Threat of Foodborne Pathogens in the US and the Crucial Importance of Washing All Produce
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