New Around Town

the tablehopper | 12:47 pm | November 21, 2008 | Foodie 411

Gitane

Here are some new places to get some vittles and cocktails around town. First there’s Gitane, with its colorful, sexy, retro décor by Charles Doell of Mr. Important—you’ll feel like you’re in Barcelona, or a hip Parisian boîte. Highlights include chef Lisa Eyherabide’s bacon bon bons (prunes stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in smoked bacon) and sardines en escabèche (sardines on puff pastry with tomato jam), plus the Belmont Breeze cocktail by Dominic Venegas with Four Roses bourbon, amontillado sherry, and orange and pomegranate juices—a bunch of the drinks have little touches of sherry. This place is built for a chic date night, and with the open-until-midnight kitchen hours, it will be the perfect spot for a late-night pizza and a drink, or glass of wine off of Sean Diggins’ list. There will also be some outdoor seating in the alley. Dinner served Tue–Sat from 5:30pm–midnight; the bar will stay open until 1am.

• 6 Claude Ln. between Bush and Sutter at Kearny, 415-788-6686

In SoMa, Medici Lounge is now officially up and running, serving a rotating menu of Italian dishes and handcrafted cocktails under the direction of Sierra Zimei (Seasons Bar), like the Under The Tuscan Sun (limoncello, Grand Marnier, basil, grapefruit juice, sea salt, prosecco). Happy hour is Tue–Sat 4pm–6pm, with discounts on beer, wine, cocktails, and there’s a special appetizer menu. Lunch and brunch will be coming in the next month. Open Tue–Sun at 4pm, closed on Mondays.

• 299 9th St. at Folsom, 415-863-MEDI (6334)

Looking for a quick bite? Crave has opened in the Upper Polk, a casual spot from John Lamkin and Lynn Ramsey of Street. You can get breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner, all made with seasonal and quality ingredients. The menu includes breakfast faves like egg sandwiches, house-made scones, and breakfast burritos, and lunch brings some soups, salads, and tasty sandwiches (hello Reuben) that will highlight slow-roasted meats and fish. Dinner is heartier, and some vegetarian fare will also be available—dishes will span from New American to Latin flair. Coffee is from Ritual Roasters. They’re still in soft opening mode, so things aren’t exactly running at 100% yet. Hours are 7am–7pm.

• 2164 Polk St. at Vallejo, 415-440-3663

And fans of rare spirits should check out CASK, the liquor store from the Bourbon & Branch chaps. You’ll be able to buy all kinds of spirits, many obscure, hard to find, and artisanal, plus some Cali small-production and boutique wines (90% of the wines are from Napa or Sonoma), and there will also be a few bubblies, including some high-end bottles from Krug, Dom, Veuve, and Moet. There is a selection of barware (great holiday presents for the boozehound in your life), books, bitters, glassware, and there’s even an engraving service to make that bottle extra special. Downtown delivery is on a 1920s tricycle, and you can have items shipped off the website (where it’s legal to, of course). Open 11am–7pm daily.

• 17 3rd St. at Market, 415-424-4844

Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular weekly e-column about the SF dining scene, “the tablehopper.” Subscribe for free at www.tablehopper.com and get it in your inbox every Tuesday. Got news? Email Marcia at taste@sanfrancisco.travel.