B Star on Clement gets clever and seasonal with one of their signs. Photo by Ross
Stomach growling? You might want to check out some of these new and improved spots here in the neighborhood…
- New bubble tea contender Tea Lover opened at 544 Clement at 7th Avenue. “We weren’t surprised the place had a line Sunday afternoon — the city loves bubble tea,” wrote SFWeekly.
- Prime Rib Shabu on 5th Avenue near Clement has finally re-opened after closing for 3 months of ADA upgrades. After a case of reviewus interruptus when they found the restaurant had closed for renovations earlier this year, SFWeekly critic Jonathan Kauffman was finally able to publish the writeup of his favorite shabu spot in the city. “The lamb, in particular, took to the flavors in Prime Rib Shabu’s most heretical departure from the traditional shabu shabu: a bowl of soy sauce mixed with a morass of chopped cilantro, green onions, and green chiles.”
- The former Coriya Hot Pot restaurant on the corner of 10th and Clement has been closed up for a few weeks now, with paper covering the windows. The curiosity is killing the SFWeekly Buzz Machine who reports that a new sign – “The Grill” – is up on the facade. But no word yet on the menu and if diners will still be cooking their own fare. “Darn those covered windows.”
- EaterSF published their 38 Essential Restaurants list earlier this month. Two neighborhood joints made the list: Halu (312 8th Avenue) and Aziza (5800 Geary). In other list news, Michelin’s 2011 Bib Gourmand list (great meals for smaller budgets) includes Chapeau!, Burma Superstar, and Troya – all on Clement Street between 2nd and 5th Avenues (via Grubstreet). Japanese restaurant Kappou Gomi (5524 Geary) also made the list – for the first time.
- SFWeekly food critic Jonathan Kauffman took time to review Red Tavern (2224 Clement near 24th Avenue), one of the Richmond’s first Russian restaurants to open in a long while. He had as much to say about the atmosphere as he did the food, concluding after three meals there that “the food zigzags from the good to the odd, but the meal is rarely boring.”
- The Stow Lake Boathouse finally re-opened under new ownership last Wednesday. Renovations are underway and prior to the full cafe opening, the boathouse is offering a limited but attractive menu that includes fair trade coffee, sandwiches, piroshiki, pastries and salads. And yes, pink popcorn is available too. View the menu
- There’s more to restaurants than the food… like the bathroom! I’ve had meals ruined or improved when I visited a restaurant’s restroom. EaterSF is looking for the best restaurant wash rooms across the city, so if you have a favorite in the neighborhood, be sure to let them know. I nominated Pizzetta’s – that little tv in there delights me every time.
Sarah B.