New to the Scene

the tablehopper | 11:53 am | July 8, 2009 | Foodie 411

Trademark | credit Monica S. Lee

Trademark has opened in the former Voda space in Belden Alley. This 85-seater is from Peter Snyderman of Elite Café and the Café Bastille/Plouf/B44 crew of Olivier Azancot and Eric Klein. It’s a contemporary American grill, with full liquor and custom cocktails, a 70-bottle wine list, and outdoor seating (heated!). The chef is the executive chef of The Elite Café, Jerry Mendoza. A peek at a preliminary menu includes dishes like Niman Ranch sirloin rolls stuffed with sweet peppers and Vidalia onions; six tasty-sounding salads, like grilled summer corn salad with fire roasted peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chipotle vinaigrette; and main dishes like bacon-wrapped red trout with beluga lentils, braised escarole, fingerling potatoes, and sherry vinaigrette. Dinner Mon–Sat, lunch Mon–Fri, and open continuously during the afternoon hours.

• 56 Belden Place at Sutter, 415-397-8800.

The Pub has opened in the former O’Neill’s spot at Ghirardelli Square. Look for a Southern (and value-priced) menu with BBQ ribs, brisket, hot links, and chicken in a signature Southern style (saucier), plus Cajun-style numbers like jambalaya, dirty rice, and corn bread. Scott Broccoli (yes, his real name), Barbi Tice, and Tom Whalen are behind the project. There will be 60 seats inside (including large booths) and 24 outside on the heated outdoor patio with waterfront views. Food served daily from 11am–10pm, with a bar menu from 10pm–1:30am. Validated parking is available at the Ghirardelli Square garage.

• 851 Beach St. (the North side of Ghirardelli Square), 415-351-0500.

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.