New SoMa Chefs

the tablehopper | 6:47 pm | December 10, 2008 | Foodie 411

Over at Fringale, there is a new executive chef, John Marquez. He was previously chef de cuisine at Coi, and was trained at French Laundry, Picasso, and Per Se. He was the sous chef at Fringale for six months before taking the position as executive chef, replacing Tripp Mauldin, who was the executive chef for just shy of a year.

• 570 Fourth St. at Brannan, 415-543-0573.

ThirstyBear Brewing Company

Executive chef Jessica Gorin’s new menu has launched at popular after-work spot Thirsty Bear: a few new dishes include chorizo and lentil soup with spigarello kale and garlic croutons; jamón Serrano flatbread with black Mission figs, Idiazabal cheese, and micro arugula; piperade with soft-cooked egg and garlic breadcrumbs; and empanadas stuffed with ground pork, roasted Musque de Provence pumpkin, and queso fresco. Overall, look for quality organic ingredients, slightly more complex flavors, and a fine-tuned tapas format. There’s also a new pastry chef who just started, Julie Ausiello, who will be rolling out some changes soon.

• 661 Howard St. at 3rd St., 415-974-0905

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.