Little Original Joe’s Marina: Italian comfort with a modern touch

by  on  in The Latest

Little Original Joe’s in the Marina has been a full house from the get-go in May. This is the latest outpost from siblings John and Elena Duggan, who have carried on the family’s long-standing tradition of Italian-American comfort food with a modern twist. Known for running the iconic Original Joe’s and its spots in North Beach, Daly City and West Portal, the Duggans have turned their focus to this stylish Marina location, bringing the same warmth that’s kept their other spots buzzing. What’s the “secret sauce” making the Duggan’s restaurants beloved? Read more →

SF Brunching: 3 Breakfast Standouts from Donuts to Rooftop Brunch

by  on  in The Latest

Published August 19, 2024, in my Medium column: There are few things more comforting than brunch, feasting with friends and cocktails, or bringing home donuts and coffee to devour in bed. Here are three top-notch spots for breakfast. One is an uncommon donut shop, two are beautiful brunch spots with a view or high design. As always, I’ve personally vetted and visited… Read more →

Neighborhood Gems & Newcomers: 5 SF Restaurants Standouts of the Month

by  on  in Top Tastes, Uncategorized

Causwells. Photo by Virginia Miller. These newcomers or new menus cover the gamut, from classic French to a neighborhood comfort food and cocktail classic that just turned ten. Alongside my latest restaurant reviews — TIYA (modern Indian), Hed11 (Thai), 10 top brunches, KoThai (modern Thai Korean), Alora (Mediterranean) — these five are also worth visiting, with last month’s standouts here. As always, I’ve personally vetted… Read more →

New Indian gem TIYA opens in SF’s Marina District

by  on  in The Latest

Published August 16, 2024, in my Medium column: We’ve lost some of our best modern Indian restaurants in recent years in San Francisco, like August 1 Five and Taj Campton Place. Thankfully, we just gained the brilliant new TIYA in San Francisco’s Marina District from chefs and brothers Sujan and Pujan Sarkar. ARTICLE: https://thebolditalic.com/new-indian-gem-tiya-opens-in-sfs-marina-district-a167258d0af1 Read more →

Hed 11 in SF’s Japantown: New, Creative Thai Tasting Menu from Bangkok Chef

by  on  in The Latest

Opening May 3, 2024, in San Francisco’s Japantown, Hed 11 is a unique entré in a city rich with incredible tasting menus and a neighborhood rightly dominated by Japanese food. The exception a couple blocks away is Michelin-starred Nari, one of the nation’s great upscale Thai restaurants. Hed 11 is the refined sister to Hed Very Thai in the FiDi (Financial District), which I reviewed after Bangkok native and owner Naruephon “Billie” Wannajaro opened it in 2023. Read more →