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Restaurant S.F. Migration Speeds Up

There are lots of upcoming changes to the B'game Avenew restaurant scene–but when isn't there?  Coconut Bay is moving to the old Archipeligo space on Howard Ave and hopefully they will have more luck than the last three occupants.  They have the client base already, so moving two blocks shouldn't be too tough.

I ate at The Plant  on the Embarcadero in the city last week and the server confirmed rumors that they are coming to B'game.  The Burger Joint is a rapidly fading memory with The Melt also moving down from the city and going into that space.

A couple of the new restaurant permits that have just been added by the council were snapped up right away–one by Pizzeria Delfina which will join Blue Line Pizza on the Avenew–both from…..EssEff.  And there is apparently a Vietnamese place going into the north side of Primrose Ave.  Don't forget the old favorites though as the shiny new arrivals open!

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28 responses to “Restaurant S.F. Migration Speeds Up”

  1. Anon

    Where are Delfina and The Plant going to be located?

  2. fred

    Curious, why do you write it like that? Ess eff?

  3. Abby Schwarz

    That’s exciting news! Excited to have some other great eateries in the ‘hood!

  4. Joe

    @Fred…because I still miss Herb Caen…think of it as an homage.
    Homage ( /ˈhɒmɨdʒ/ or /ˈɒmɨdʒ/) is a show or demonstration of respect or dedication to someone or something, sometimes by simple declaration but often by some more oblique reference, artistic or poetic.
    http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/columns/pages/caen/tribute/
    Thanks for asking.

  5. fred

    Ohh Kay
    con·de·scen·sion (knd-snshn) n.
    1. The act of condescending or an instance of it.
    2. Patronizingly superior behavior or attitude.

  6. alittlebird

    Now why would you call that condescension? Paying homage to Herb Caen is condescending? I don’t get it.

  7. hillsider

    Fred didn’t even have to look that up. It’s his middle name.
    I’m looking forward to more choices on the avenue. I’m just not sure about so much pizza.

  8. fred

    The condescension is providing a definition for the word homage. Delfina and Little Star make pizza an art.

  9. jennifer

    Perfect segue into my pet peeve:
    Burlingame downtown, prior to 1990s–referred to as:
    A. Burlingame Avenue
    B. Downtown (or Uptown, depending on one’s locale)
    C. Town
    Usage: “I’m going to Burlingame Avenue.” or “I’m going to town.”
    _________
    Burlingame downtown, after circa 2000– referred to as:
    A. Burlingame AVE
    B. The AVE
    C. The Avenew (sorry, Joe)
    Usage: “Let’s go to the AVE” or “Dude, (or is it ‘Dawg’) I’m on the AVE” (said with the ultimate coolness into one’s latest model I-Phone.)
    Am I the only one annoyed with these ‘new’ colloquials? Burlingame? Give me a break!
    Yes, we are a very nice patch on the planet, but let’s get over ourselves….
    (Maybe all the pizza will help.)

  10. Joe

    Let’s not be too hard on Fred, you guys. I only included the excerpt from the Wikipedia entry on “homage” because of the “oblique reference” part. Many people would not consider something an homage unless the target of the homage was identified. That’s part of why there is even a Wikipedia entry on the word.
    But I can see how Fred might think it condescending. Let me just say that was not my intent.
    Having stubbed my toe once already on this post, I’ll not get into the Ave, Avenue, Avenew dispute. Nor will I include a definition of “suum cuique pulchrum est.”

  11. Joe

    And now, back on topic: I have heard that Delfina is headed for the old Tribeca/Haven space. I’m not sure about The Plant and the server did not know.

  12. Herb Lover

    I really miss Herb Caen too. Heck at this rate I even miss John Horgan. where is he these days?
    Here is a great bit of Herb’s column that some in Burlingame can relate to
    Driving around town daily, I see half a dozen red-light runners but never a speed cop . . . Uh- oh, guess who’s roaring up my tailpipe . . . The newish Ess Eff Pee Dee police cars that are all black except for white front doors look like saddle shoes on wheels. And guess which vehicle in front of you is least likely to signal a turn. Right! One of those vehicles with all the lights on the roof. Have a nice day.

  13. hungryi

    Can’t wait to dig in. Not so sure about the grilled cheese thing but everything else sounds delish

  14. fred

    Had the deep dish pizza at Blue Line this week. It’s very good. Got to try the thin crust next.

  15. Joe

    And The Plant’s liquor license application is in too. They are apparently doing it first before heading to Planning.

  16. Joe

    Hey Bloggers-
    One of the local restaurants that has an SF sister restaurant is Roti on Park Ave. Our very own Roti got a nice 10-15 minute feature on KQED’s Check, Please! show tonight. Local celebs like Raj Mathai and Thuy Vu went there and commented on it.
    It will play again tomorrow (Friday) at 8:30pm on KQED and again sometime on Sat (TiVo it). Fun. Congrats to Sonny on a nice local review!

  17. Joe

    Oh, and by the way–the Plant’s application has been approved as well. Welcome to B’game, Plant.

  18. Veronica

    When will The Plant actually open?

  19. Holyroller

    Lets start taking bets on how long “The Melt”‘ and Davids Tea shop last…
    I am saying April 2013 for both..
    Any takers?
    I do not want them to fail.
    They will.

  20. Anne

    Ouch, Holy! What is wrong with you? Another cranky Republican (like Joe?)? Can’t we ALL hope for the best for our beloved town?
    I wish all the best for all of our new businesses, and will do my best to shop locally.

  21. jennifer

    Kudos to both of these businesses, that are really doing a classy job of fixing up these structures (with a nod to their past). For the first time in about 50 years or so, the former Towles structure has transom windows exposed, and some of the original stucco relief. The Smoke Shop structure has refurbished windows that follow the original patterns and a nice inset door. I have no idea if they will be successful, I sure hope so. Fine tea is very expensive, but I still haven’t figured out if there will be tables (or food of some sort) available there. Seems a pity, if not. I tried The Melt in PA, and the jalapeno grilled cheese was fab. Good luck to both- and I’m also thrilled about “The Plant”- I’d expect that one to do very well.

  22. Cranky Joe

    I guess I just need more java….must get to Starbucks or Peets immediately! Tea just never has enough kick to keep me from getting cranky.

  23. jennifer

    Tea is for meaningful conversation, Cranky Joe, forget the “kick” part. Coffee is for getting through the day.

  24. Holyroller

    I went into “Melt” today with my grandkids..Everybody loved it,me too!

  25. hillsider

    I found the deep dish pizza at Blue Line a bit gritty, like grits from Alabama or something. I recommend you stick with the thin crust,

  26. pat giorni

    The grit is cornmeal which belongs under the pizza, not in the crust. Best deep dish pizza in the country is in Carbondale, Il. 2nd best is in San Mateo at Windy City–Borel Plaza at 17th and ECR

  27. jennifer

    The exterior is quite nice, but the interior of David’s Teas ended up rather sterile looking. It is a great location, ‘just hope they can make it work. It does not appear that they have anything at all to eat there- not even a fortune cookie or crumpet- mainly retail specialty teas, like Teavana but more exclusive. Atmosphere is the opposite of cozy. Kind of a large space, just for canisters of tea, a couple of metal chairs and tables and a sales counter. I miss the indian that stood watch there for so long.
    Melt is nicely done in and out, the perfect size and orientation. The place seems like a great fit for that corner. I hear it is very popular with the student crowd, too.

  28. Holyroller

    I have a complaint..
    I went to Wich Wich last night.
    $12.00 for a medium sandwich.
    That is not the complaint.
    I asked to use the restroom.
    I was told to walk through 5 Brothers. Go out the back door, walk into the Parking Lot, follow the wall.
    Into a hallway that is so isolated and disconnected from any business(5 Brothers, Wich-Wich, The Coffee Place) it should be called a Rape Room.
    Disgusting.
    Whatever City of Burlingame Engineer allowed that horrible and dangerous rest/raperoom place to pass permits should be fired.
    I will be forwarding this to City Hall.
    If anyone thinks I am exaggerating walk through yourself.
    Would you send your sons or daughters out there?
    Dispicable!
    School Children come through here everyday.
    This is a serious security risk.

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