Hawker Eats! on the corner of 18th Ave & Balboa. Photo by Richard L.
Happy Thursday, Richmond District. Here are some local links to start off your day…
- Hawker Eats!, a new Asian tapas spot that also serves ramen, has opened on the corner of Balboa and 18th Avenue. Neighbor Richard L. tells us “They only have a short, hand written menu (for now) but I can attest to the lamb chops and chicken satay…very good.” They’re open for lunch each day (11-2) and then again for dinner from 5pm-9pm. Yelp reviews so far are very favorable.
- Further up on Balboa near 6th Avenue, new spot Suka has opened. According to their Yelp page they offer Indonesian food, including chicken wings, salmon and chicken satay, but also seem to offer a classic American breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon. One reviewer wrote about the Suka Special, “which is a hot link sausage, spinach and eggs cooked in a tomato sauce and served on a hot sizzling skillet.” Open during the week for dinner (5pm-10pm), and starting at 8am on weekends.
- This Saturday from 9am-12noon, they’re planting a demonstration, drought-resistant garden on the 10th Avenue side of the Richmond District Library as the culmination of some recent gardening workshops. If you want to help, visit or call the Richmond Library to sign up: 415-355-5633.
- Got a broken item or a bike in your house that needs repair? Then don’t miss the December 5 Fix-It Clinic at the RDNC. Learn how to disassemble, diagnose and hopefully repair your electronics, small appliances, toys and bikes. The Bay Area Bike Mobile will be on site to help with bike repairs and tune-ups. The event is free and takes place from 11am-3pm at the RDNC, 741 30th Avenue.
- Got an opinion on the GGNRA’s plan to require $35 permits to have a bonfire at Ocean Beach? They’ve extended the deadline for the public comment period until December 4. Read about the plan and make comments here
- Why is the Golden Gate Bridge orange? A new children’s book by local author Dave Eggers explains how it all came about in fun fashion. The 110 page book, “This Bridge Will Not Be Gray”, features simple cut-out paper illustrations from artist Tucker Nichols. Available at The McSweeney’s Store and Green Apple Books.
- Coal? In San Francisco? Yes! Back in 1891 they discovered a vein of black coal in the Baker Beach coastline. Find out what happened and what’s left of the “mine” today.
- Star of the Sea School is hosting a White Christmas Holiday Boutique on December 6 from 11am until 3pm. In addition to shopping boutiques set up by local purveyors, the free event will include arts & crafts for kids, tea with Mrs. Claus (tix here), a visit from Santa (11:30am-1pm), a holiday photo booth and more.
Over the years, folks living near 18th and Balboa have seen a slew of restaurants, starting with Richmond Coffee and Tea, then Bistro 1690 and two Golden Chopsticks – sprout briefly in this tiny corner storefront. Hawker Eats! is the first restaurant in years that seems destined to succeed, thanks to an energetic, personable couple who pay attention to ingredients; memorable ramen with tasty broth (and vice versa); a changing menu, a fan base, and a cozy sense of place. Prices are high but you get what you pay for (with tapas, their $16 ramen might be plenty enough for two). It’s a treasure!
Hawker Eats! is delicious! Since trying it for the first time two weeks ago, we’ve already been back twice. Creative menu and as Ben P. says, you can definitely share one ramen order as the portions are very generous.