In the world of food, exciting changes are happening. Gizela Ho, the chef de cuisine from Rich Table, is set to launch her own restaurant called Good Morning 96. The name is inspired by a kitchen towel brand from Hong Kong and pays tribute to her grandfather. Ho plans to mix various cuisines, focusing especially on snacks. However, she hasn’t found a location yet, so fans will have to wait to see when this venture begins.
Meanwhile, RT Bistro, a new spot adjacent to Rich Table, is gearing up to open around January 5. I got a sneak peek at the menu, which includes a seasonal “one-layer lasagna” made with squash and black truffle, as well as a Japanese twist on Oysters Rockefeller. The cozy bistro will have about 35 seats, a warm wooden interior reminiscent of Tahoe ski lodges, and lively cocktails.
Adding to the culinary buzz, a Berlin-based sandwich pop-up called Smooches is making its way to The Nosh Box in SoMa starting December 27. Run by former San Francisco resident Joe Peters, Smooches will offer breakfast sandwiches on homemade English muffins, aiming to spread joy through food. Peters shared, “I started Smooches to bring happiness, and I can’t wait to share that here for the holidays.”
Switching gears to health, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Kitchen has opened on Morris Street, focusing on nutritious takeout. This location joins its existing spots in Southern California, offering salads, bowls, and vegan options, like mushroom “carnitas.”
In a bittersweet turn, the quirky store Cookin’, known for its unique gourmet items, is closing after 37 years. Owner Judith Kaminsky has decided to retire, with the shop’s last day being January 1. A clearance sale is underway, but she recommends only industry folks visit.
On a similar note, The Point, a beloved Delta waterfront eatery in Rio Vista, will be closing on December 28. If you have a boat, it might be worth a trip for one last bowl of their chowder.
In restaurant news, Chronicle critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan is on her second maternity leave, which means her reviews won’t be returning until June. In the meantime, her colleagues, including Cesar Hernandez, will be stepping in to cover restaurant reviews.
Food scenes are always evolving, and with these new openings and changes, there’s plenty to look forward to. For those who want to stay updated, check out resources like the San Francisco Chronicle for the latest in local dining.
