A sampling of smørrebrød during brunch service. Photo: © tablehopper.com.
Release the loaves! At last, Bar Tartine has officially opened its sandwich shop. You’ll be able to come by for sandwiches and more Wed–Fri 10:30am–2:30pm, either dine-in or for takeout. It’s almost like a shop within the restaurant: there’s a counter with a window and the behemoth custom Italian oven looms in the back, baking all kinds of unique and new breads. A look at the preliminary menu shows an array of Scandinavian smørrebrød on rye (which you will already be familiar with if you have come by for brunch in recent months), $6 each or three for $15. Some options include blue cheese, bacon, egg, and avocado; smoked sturgeon with potato and dill sauce; and corned beef with horseradish cream and fried onion. Yeah, I’ll have one of each, thanks.
You can also try some sandwiches on some of the new breads they’re baking, like lentil croquettes on spelt slab bread ($13). Two words: pork melt. There are some soups, salads, and snacks (yes, you can order the langos), along with sweet treats. You can also have some adult beverages to accompany your lunch, or try some of the housemade sodas. And in case you’re wondering, there won’t be any bread for sale just yet—hopefully this fall.
Also of note: Bar Tartine is no longer taking reservations for brunch on Saturday and Sundays (alas!).
561 Valencia St., at 17th St., 415-487-1600.
Owner Pete Mrabe of Don Pisto’s and The Chubby Noodle in North Beach will soon have a third place to add to his burgeoning empire: a deli. While he can’t announce the actual location just yet, he said he plans to open it in the next three months. The deli will feature housemade meats (like pastrami and beef tongue) and lots of housemade items like pickled chiles and more. He also said there will be a huge selection of cold cuts. There will be both hot and cold sandwiches, plus some prepared foods and salads. I’ll keep you updated as details emerge.
Eater picked up the news in The Accidental Wino that New Orleans native Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s French Soul Food and her wife and partner Libby Truesdell are going to be opening a po’boy shop in the Lower Fillmore. Brenda’s Original Po’ Boys will have a menu with 15 different po’boys (check the Eater post for the menu), with a counter, outdoor seating, and beer and wine. Stand by for news on the location; look for a January opening.
Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular insider weekly e-column about the SF dining scene, “the tablehopper.” Subscribe for free at www.tablehopper.com.
