I am doing research on a relative of mine for my genealogy. She ran the Strausburg Music Hall and was known as Spanish Kitty -her real name was Soledad Martinezloma Smith...but she went by many names in her lifetime. My grandmothers family was very interesting to say the least! I saw a small bit of information about her in one of your newsletters. I was wondering if the photo in the article of the 4 women is of her. I have no pictures of her and was just wondering. Also in your photo collection do you have any pictures of the music hall. I would appreciate any information or pictures you have in your archives of her or the music hall.

Thank you,


- Carrie Gault
gaultbc@aol.com

LOCAL WEATHER





BCNA by the Bay party at C by the B


Norman Patrick Doyle
Resident, The Commons

The Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association held its latest Sunday get together on October 30th at Carnelian By The Bay. Making our way past the bronze statue of Gandhi, pointing at the Sausalito ferry ticket office, we entered what used to be the World Trade Center.

The Gandells, the Hehmans, and Norman Doyle









Nov 02, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

101 LOMBARD REPORTS:
Updated June Happy Hour List

Residents of the 101 Lombard Building live in the northern end of Barbary Coast (see our area map). Their Barbary Coast News reporters are sharing some news from their wonderful and newsy internal online newsletter.
BC News editor

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Paula Hewitson, Editor
Marcy Albert, Circulation
www.101LombardSt.com

Diane Kretschmer [a resident of 101 Lombard] submitted this very comprehensive list of local Happy Hours—a compilation of what our neighbors have to say about the local food/entertainment scene as of June 2011:


Jun 22, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

CAN’T GET TO CAPE COD?
COME TO NETTIE’S CRAB SHACK

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Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway

Winter has finally left us. It was long, it was wet, it was often nasty and unpleasantly windy. Umbrellas blew inside out, shoes were drenched at flooded street crossings. We endured. And this past weekend we were rewarded. The weather was sublime. Everywhere—at the farmer’s market on Saturday, on the promenade along the Embarcadero on Sunday—there were broad and happy smiles.
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May 06, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 2 Comments

Special St. Patrick's Day dinner at Lafitte


News Release
WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE
415.274.2510


Guest Chef Liam Mayclem celebrates
with Lafitte for a special St. Patrick’s Day edition
of “Burning Brit” dinners on March 17, 2011


Chef Russell Jackson’s “Grounded” Series continues with the “Return of the Irish Brit” British-themed food and spirits-paired dinner.


Mar 12, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Restaurant Review: The Vin Club


Adrien Roche, subscriber
Barbary Coast News

THE VIN CLUB~ is going to be starting ~EAT ME AT THE VIN CLUB, a walk-up sandwich window. (I'm not EVEN going to make a comment about the name, and on Broadway! No sir.)

Owner Dario Zucconi (of Tommaso’s) is partnering with Ben de Vries of Luella on the venture, which will serve sandwiches Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 am to 2 pm.


Mar 05, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Join La Mar for Pisco Sour Day!


Rebecca Pariser
Wagstaff Worldwide, Inc.
1620 Montgomery St., Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone - 415.274.2510 ext. 13
www.wagstaffworldwide.com

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“Pisco Sour Day” is Saturday, February 5, 2011 and La Mar Cebicheria (www.lamarcebicheria) is celebrating the national drink of Peru with $5 Pisco Sours from open ‘til close on Friday, February 4 (11:30 a.m. onward) and Saturday, February 5 (12 p.m. onward).


Jan 27, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

COTOGNA: A NEIGHBORHOOD GEM

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Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway

Question: When is the worst time to try a restaurant you haven’t been to before?
Answer: New Year’s Eve.
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That’s when my husband and I decided to try Cotogna. It was the day before the Big Night and we still hadn’t made a reservation for dinner. We found ourselves walking by Cotogna on Pacific and Montgomery and thought, “This looks nice.”


Jan 25, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 3 Comments

Barbary Coast's The Piers Announces
the first Restaurant Row Event


Katherine Mathis, Principal/Founder
Revolver Studios
m 415-238-7501
o 415-675-2115
katherine@revolverstudios.com
www.revolverstudios.com

Map of Restaurant Row event.

The Piers is proud to announce their inaugural Restaurant Row event on January 25 at each of their three restaurants: Lafitte, La Mar Cebicheria and The Plant Café Organic.


Jan 13, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

PATXI’S PIZZA:
A Crusty Treat Inside the Culture Zone

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Jenna Fiorello,
part-time resident
The Gateway
Just a short walk from Symphony Hall, the Opera House and Herbst Theatre, Patxi’s is the perfect place for a pre-theatre bite. Especially for those who judge a pizza by its crust.
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Jan 02, 2011 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

Restaurant Review:
FOREIGN CINEMA


Cathy Fiorello, resident
We were sitting in Fresca on Fillmore enjoying some Peruvian tidbits, when two men at the next table began discussing a restaurant I’d never heard of. Tables are close at Fresca; I wasn’t exactly eavesdropping, I couldn’t help overhearing. So I joined the conversation.

Though it unnerves Phil, I’ve found this shameless habit of mine one of the best ways to get the real scoop on a restaurant. And San Franciscans, open and friendly, are more than willing to share their dining experiences with strangers. Though Phil doesn’t join in my transgression, he is often the co-beneficiary of its results. That’s how I learned about Foreign Cinema and that’s why we found ourselves on a questionable (what am I doing here?) stretch of The Mission last Sunday. My Fresca friend said, “Go for the brunch, it’s amazing.”
foreign cinema


Oct 08, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 3 Comments

SIDEKICK



Cathy Fiorello


Cathy Fiorello, resident
Now Open in the Ferry Building

Cowgirl Creamery expanded this week with Sidekick, a dairy bar, next door to their retail store (in the former LuLu Petite space). This is a counter service eatery offering an array of dairy-based goodies to go.

Cowgirl

Mornings begin with challah rolls with sweet or savory fillings, gougeres, (fresh-baked cheese puffs), cottage cheese with melon, and yogurt bowls with fresh figs or peaches, or with grated Moroccan carrot salad, diced cucumbers and sesame crackers.

salad

At 11 am the afternoon kitchen opens with a fresh mozzarella bar, a daily artisan cheese plate, cheese soup with cheese dumplings, raclette, and cheese toasties. For the faint of heart, there’s a green salad or two. My cholesterol shot up just writing this article
Hours: Mon-Sat: 7 am-3 pm; Sun: 10 am-6 pm. (Saturday hours will extend to 7 pm in a few weeks.)

Sep 30, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Infamous Subculture Dining comes to Lafitte August 22

New “Grounded Series” brings the underground dining experience to guests and kicks off with a special corn-and-tomatoes menu paired with cocktails by Clear Creek Distillery.
Interior, Lafitte
Starting Sunday, August 22, Chef Russell Jackson brings the style of underground dining he made popular in San Francisco to Lafitte with his new “Grounded Series.”

Aug 18, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Bomboloni soon to be found
along The Embarcadero!

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Boriana Foods recently closed shop in the Ferry Building. With this news, bomboloni lovers didn't know where to turn. These easy-to-pick-up-and plop-in-your-mouth Italian donut delicacies have been wildly successful with locals and visitors alike. But have faith: The company is now expanding and moving over to the Embarcadero, next to La Mar.


Jul 31, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Seoul Food Comes to the Barbary Coast


Norman Patrick Doyle
Resident, The Commons

Terry, host at Stone
Lovers of good Korean cuisine—or those who would like to try it for the first time—will really enjoy Stone Korean Kitchen, recently opened on the ground floor of 4 Embarcadero Center.


Jun 27, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

REVISITED: BRIOCHE BAKERY & CAFÉ


Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway

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It’s been written that San Francisco is unique. So much so that it’s become a cliché—overdone, but in this case true. We love the fact that we’re different. Viva la difference is our battle cry. Sometimes that difference becomes a paradox. Take, for example, the fact that one of The City’s most authentic French cafés is in Italian North Beach. Barbary Coasters who start out with a yen for pizza may find themselves eating pate on fougasse instead, lured by the aromas flowing out of the bakery’s open door.


May 18, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

SF Athletic Club debuts new menu May 26

Adrienne Roche, business member
Barbary Coast Neighborhood Assn.

Hey folks, the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club will debut their new chefs, wine and awesome menu. Prior reservations are required so contact events@sfiac.org. You can't beat this price! Bring your friends!
This event is open to the neighbors. Check it out!









May 17, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

The noodles tell the story

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Lafitte restaurant at Pier 5 on The Embarcadero opened officially on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, but a few neighbors and press were treated to a special dinner several nights earlier. With this long-awaited opening Lafitte not only enlivens the street but also adds its romantic menu to the San Francisco food mystique.


Apr 11, 2010 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

40 Years on the Waterfront


by Norman Patrick Doyle
Resident, The Commons


The Waterfront Restaurant, an Embarcadero landmark located at the foot of Broadway, celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. When Al Falchi and his brother bought the place in 1969 (then known as Pier 7 Café, a longshoreman's bar), the neighborhood bore little resemblance to its present-day appearance.
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Aug 02, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 2 Comments

RESTAURANT REVIEW
5A5 Steak Lounge: What’s In a Name?

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Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway


Not much, really. When it comes to restaurants, it’s what’s on the plate that counts. At 5A5, a sophisticated steak lounge new to the Barbary Coast, there’s much on the plate that will make you want to remember its name.
Main dining area


Jul 31, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 2 Comments

RESTAURANT REVIEW: The Red and the Green


Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway


Restaurant openings are always a cause for celebration in our culinary-crazed city. In the past few weeks, two new places have joined the Barbary Coast casual dining scene, one in the Ferry Building, the other a short walk down on Pier 3. I haven’t had time to try much of what they offer, but wanting to alert Barbary Coasters to their presence and their promise, I’m forging ahead with this announcement.
Il Cane Rosso


Jul 23, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 7 Comments

Visit Piperade for the Fourth!

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Jun 30, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

OFFICAL GRAND OPENING OF 5A5* STEAK LOUNGE

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You may have seen signs of increased activity at 244 Jackson Street—the old Frisson Restaurant location. Yes, opening day is almost here. In fact, it’s just days away.


May 11, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

“CAN YOU RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT?”

Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway

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Chaya Brasserie
How often have you been asked that question? I was sitting at a sidewalk café on one of these recent glorious days, and began chatting with the couple at the next table—one of the things I most enjoy about San Francisco life: how the simple act of having a cup of coffee side by side starts conversation flowing between strangers.

Apr 03, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

Early Reviews of a Not-Yet-Open
Alex (now A5) Steakhouse

The not-yet-open local restaurant, Alex Steakhouse, in the old Frisson location at 244 Jackson Street, offered a five-course “Neighborhood Dinner” for $35 on Wednesday evening, February 11. Some opinions from the neighbors:

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Theo Armour
Certainly the staff was helpful and friendly. Both the owner and chef recognized the three of us from a very brief meeting at the Entertainment Committee hearing at City Hall, and they made us feel welcome. I did, however, find our waiter to be somewhat over solicitous. At one point the waiter wandered over to our table and just abruptly broke into our conversation.

Feb 15, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

BRIOCHE BAKERY

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Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway


If you’ve walked right by the Brioche Bakery, unaware of the wonders within, you're not alone. That’s why, when circumstance (the need of a coffee fix, perhaps?) finally propels you through the unassuming door of this very French bakery and cafe, you're completely unprepared for the treats in store.

Brioche Bakery: 210 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, (415)765-0142
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri-Sat, closed Sun
Prices: Moderate, Cash Only

Jan 28, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 2 Comments

A Great Breakfast After A Nice Walk
What Could Be Better?

Sauro
Bill Sauro, resident
The Commons


Breakfast after a walk in The City. Has a nice ring to it, and that's what we do on Sundays starting out at our condo at Golden Gateway Commons.

Jan 27, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 3 Comments

A WORD FROM THE OWNER OF ALEX’S STEAK & LOUNGE

First off, thank you all for your comments and feedback regarding our new steak lounge located at the former Frisson restaurant and lounge.

Let me begin by saying that we have no intention of being a nightclub, nor do we intend to be open after hours either. During these preliminary days of preparation before opening our restaurant, we applied for the same permits and licenses that the former Frisson space had during their prior three and a half years of operation.

Jan 13, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 3 Comments

OPINION: Want a Barbary Coast Steak House with Late, Late, Late Hours?

A sign in the window at 244 Jackson Street tells us that someone named Alex plans to open Alex’s Steak & Lounge. The signage reports that Alex has asked the Entertainment Commission for an Extended-Hours Entertainment Permit.

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We remember this spot as Frisson, a quiet, elegant restaurant near the south-western edge of the Barbary Coast. Here’s the rub according to locals:
TO VOICE YOUR OPINION, EMAIL:
Bob Davis, Executive Director
Entertainment Commission
bob.davis@sfgov.org

Hearing: January 20 at 5 pm


Jan 07, 2009 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 4 Comments

PIPERADE & BOCADILLO

Gerald Hirigoyen
Exectuive Chef/Owner
Piperade/Bocadillos


CHEF'S LETTER

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It looks like we'll be hanging around the neighborhood for another few years to come...Piperade's lease has successfully been renewed. The building our business calls home is a meaningful spot, both as a historic piece of waterfront architecture and as a welcoming restaurant space at the heart of San Francisco's friendliest financial neighborhood—the Barbary Coast.

Dec 13, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Sneak Peek at Lafitte

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December 6, 2008 The Embarcadero—— Last night some of the press cognoscente arrived at Lafitte's restaurant at Pier 5 along The Embarcadero to get the latest word on an opening date and to enjoy some of chef/owner Russell Jackson's tasty treats.


Dec 07, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Dive into Peru at La Mar

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by Dan Beltramo
Resident, Barbary Coast


There was Greek food in San Francisco before Kokkari, there was Vietnamese food in San Francisco before Slanted Door, and there was Peruvian food in San Francisco before the recent arrival of La Mar Cebicheria Peruana. But just as its predecessors did, La Mar has elevated the game in town and turned traditional regional fare into a fine dining experience with a California aesthetic.

Oct 18, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

Barbary Coast Restaurant Scene Improving

—by Bill Sauro*


After half a dozen closings of restaurants in the Barbary Coast neighborhood of The City, the tide is starting to turn with a number of new eating establishments opening—or poised to do so—in the next few months.

Oct 04, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

New La Mar Restaurant
A Pre-Opening Hit for VIPs

By Bill Sauro


La Mar Restaurant
San Francisco’s newest restaurant, La Mar Cebichería Peruana at Pier 1 ½ served up a pre-opening dinner to VIP guests of Pacific Waterfront Partners last night (Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008) and from this first gastronomic effort, this place is going to be a winner.

Sep 29, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

LAFITTE OPENS IN LATE FALL
A treat at Pier 5


The space sits empty at the north corner of Pier 5—for now—awaiting the opening at the end of the year of Dissident Chef Russell Jackson’s restaurant, Lafitte. But just wait (lots of people can’t—they’ve already made reservations!), when it happens, we’ll all be in for a treat.

Aug 03, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Gooey Goodness
at Embarcadero 3

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Barbary Coaster Bill Sauro noticed the long line in front of a tiny new corner shop on the street level of Embarcadero 3 and passed the good news along to Barbary Coast News.


Jul 02, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

I Visit a Local Wine Bar

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by Theo Armour

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It's fun to do a lot of things at the same time. OK, not always.

But on occasion life come at you on multiple levels all at one time. I’m sitting at the end of a long bar. In front on me is a glass of Malbec. This is the nicely rough grape from Argentina—one of the

May 15, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR
HIGH-END RESTAURANTS?

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by Bill Sauro


If you've walked up Jackson Street toward Columbus, you can't help but notice the closure of two formerly well-regarded neighborhood restaurants, Frisson and Scott Howard. Plus a walk down Pacific will display a shuttered Myth Café.

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According to the on-line restaurant site www.tablehopper.com, Frisson has closed but is being re-incarnated. Sean O’Brien, the former executive chef of Myth, will be the head man of the newly-remodeled Frisson.

Mar 27, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT:
Café Insalata

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They want to be your friends. And they make their own pesto! (And a lot more.)

Café Insalata is far, far more than a salad bar.

Feb 17, 2008 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

A handy standby
A SECRET SHOPPER VISITS OASIS GRILL


Often if it’s getting late and I only want a fast, affordable meal, I’ll head over to Oasis Grill for some take out. Other times when I want a really tasty, healthy meal, I also head over to Oasis Grill at 91 Drumm Street near the corner of Sacramento.

And sometimes when the guys in the office have a hankering for Mediterranean food, we’ll walk an extra five blocks, just to get a tasty falafel or shawarma and visit

Aug 30, 2007 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS: Kokkari Estiatorio

We’re neighbors...so we’ll give priority on reservations to people who live in Barbary Coast.
—Robin Hart, Kokkari

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We’re lucky to have a number of excellent restaurants in the Barbary Coast. One of everybody’s favorites is Kokkari Estiatorio located across the street from Walton Square on Front Street.

Recently I met with Robin Hart, Kokkari’s marketing and

Jul 28, 2007 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

NOT-SO-SECRET SHOPPER VISITS BI-RITE CREAMERY & BAKESHOP

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You’ll probably see the line from down the block as you walk up to Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop. This is where your emotional journey will begin.

After a brief feeling of dejection at the sight of the line, you’ll quicken your stride down the block to secure your place in line. Upon approaching the shop, you’ll note with relief that part of what appeared to be the line ahead of you are merely contented souls loitering about in a state of ice-cream-induced bliss.

With your place in line secure, your feeling of relief will quickly

Jul 22, 2007 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Secret Shoppers
A VISIT TO THE SUSHI FACTORY

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We met them for cocktails to get acquainted because we Secret Shoppers had never met Alice and Martie Young before. Then we all trooped down Jackson Street the few blocks headed toward the Sushi Factory—a new place in town. Well, sort of new—they’ve been there about two months.

Golden Gateway apartment dwellers Martie and Alice Young love to find great restaurants—particularly ones that aren’t “white tablecloth” places. They like to find the little gems hidden here and there that serve really good food at reasonable prices. They found Sushi Factory and thought it

Jul 13, 2007 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | 1 Comment

PIPERADE RESTAURANT AND WILLIAMS-SONOMA TEAM UP

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"A new year means new beginnings," says Gerald Hirigoyen, chef and owner of Piperade, a Barbary Coast restaurant, "and we're starting this one off with some exciting news." Williams-Sonoma Inc., the San Francisco-based gourmet kitchen and home furnishings retailer, entered into an agreement with Hirigoyen, to oversee the corporate dining facility at Williams-Sonoma's headquarters in Aquatic Park.








Jan 20, 2007 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

PIPERADE RESTAURANT NOMINATED FOR BEST CHEF

Gerald Hirigoyen, chef at our own Barbary Coast restaurant, Piperade, was among four San Francisco chefs nominated in the Best Chef category for the James Beard Foundation award.


Mar 29, 2006 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

Piperade
NOUVELLE BASQUE CUISINE



"Before God was God and boulders were boulders, Basques were already Basques."

So goes an old saying about Europe’s most ancient ethnic group: the Basques. As you step into Piperade, a small gem of a Basque restaurant hidden away among the historic buildings on Battery Street in the Barbary Coast, you're greeted by a large, colorful picture of a man in typical Basque costume. The picture sets the scene for this charming, out-of-the-way restaurant..

The sun was low in the sky the day I walked in to meet chef-owner, Gerald Hirigoyen,
Feb 20, 2006 | Email story | Filed in: ABOUT RESTAURANTS | Add comment

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