The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene. The small stretch of shops on Clement between the anchors of inner and outer Richmond has a new addition: Chomp 'N Swig. Richmond Blog SF notes the restaurant (in the former Cafe Mereb space) is open, serving sandwiches and pouring beers -- there's even a happy hour (1541 Clement at 17th Ave.).

Busted! Grub Street reports, via the Examiner, an illegal, after-hours club above Monroe had the kibosh put on it by the fire marshal and entertainment commission. The link between Monroe and the now shuttered North Beach club isn't apparent, but the closed club won't be back.

The saga surrounding Cafe Gratitude's legal woes and pending closure (of some) of their restaurants has an update. Eater SF shares, via the raw restaurant's website, that the central office, located in the Mission, is for sale, as well as the Harrison Street location of the restaurant, and the North Bay restaurants in Healdsburg and San Rafael will shutter too. Gracias Madre remains off the market -- for now.

More openings: A new Thai restaurant has replaced the recently shuttered Hotaru. Grub Street discovers Navin is dishing up the standard Thai fare (1059 Powell at Washington).

Also, Grub Street discovers that Castro's Jake's on Market has softly opened over the weekend. The official opening of the neighborhood restaurant is slated for Wednesday (2223 Market at 15th St.).

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

We're not fond of Starbucks' tire fires and cat pee blonde roast, and now Inside Scoop shares that the vacant Pier One space may become the latest location of the mega-coffee chain. If you'll remember, the deal fell through for a location of La Boulange, and it's now been almost a year since Tulio's closed. Maybe the tourists who trickle down from Pier 39 will like it?

In what may be the oddest restaurant theft of the week month, the Richmond Blog SF discovers that Belly Burgers' used-cooking oil was stolen before being picked up for its transformation into biodiesel. The post notes there is indeed a "black market" for grease.

Changes in the kitchen: Inside Scoop rolls out the latest sushi-related news. After a six year absence, Sachio Kojima (formerly of Kabuto A&S) is back to making sushi in S.F., this time at Hecho.

Also seeing a new face in the kitchen is Ristobar. Inside Scoop reports that the Marina restaurant has brought chef Michele Belotti from Italy to the two-year-old restaurant. His new menu is already in place.

And Tablehhopper shares an update on the delayed Hayes Valley Bakeworks. While they were originally slated to open late last year, there were some permit delays. Now things are rolling and the ovens should be churning out bake goods by May.

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

All things pastrami and pickles: The popular pop-up Wise Sons Jewish deli is nearly ready to open their new brick-and-mortar. Thrillist notes that this Sunday they'll soft launch with a brunch in their new space (the former El Tonayense on 24th St.). If you want to be there, better reserve a spot now. The official opening date remains undetermined -- but it's soon!

Bernalwood reports the recently shutter the Park Bench Cafe is now under the same ownership of nearby neighborhood haunt Charlie's Cafe. The owner, yes-his-name-is Charlie, is currently brainstorming -- and taking input -- for future use of the space.

And yet, more sushi. Tablehopper discovers another new place to grab a roll: Sushi Taka (600 Kearny at Sacramento). This DIY-roll restaurant allows for almost any roll of the imagination. Eel, salsa, and chipotle ranch? Go ahead.

Hidden amongst the historic buildings of the Presidio, La Terrasse wasn't all that easy to pick out. Now, Eater SF confirms the French restaurant has shuttered.

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The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

The popular Cu Co's Restaurant is slated to close. Haighteration reports the owners were served a 30-day notice to vacate the space so the landlord can rent it out to someone else. Who? That hasn't been determined, but we believe the Craigslist ad won't appeal to any Haight residents who will be mourning the loss of the plantain burrito.

After popping up across the City, chefs Sarah and Evan Rich have a brick-and-mortar to call their own. Inside Scoop says that the husband-and-wife team will move to Hayes Valley. They'll take over the spot that currently houses Paul K and open restaurant with full-liquor license and bar later this year.

A few sushi places are rolling out across the city this winter: U-Sushi, Sushi Ninja, and now and Saru Sushi. Noe Valley SF discovers that the restaurant is now serving lunch and dinner (3856 24th St. at Vicksburg).

780 Cafe will (at least temporarily) replace shuttered the Summit, according to Eater SF via Mission Local. The building owners are still looking for a permanent tenant (780 Valencia at 19th St.).

A bit of news we missed from earlier last week: According to Eater SF, Bushi-Tei is on the market. It remains open - for now.

Also, just in case you were wondering what BBQ joint replaced Cathead's BBQ at Doctor's Lounge, SF Station shares Slow Hand BBQ has moved into the position. Look for their ribs and everything-else-BBQ on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

Out in the Richmond, a new shabu shabu restaurant is readying to open. Grub Street reports that the fourth Bay Area outpost (and first in S.F.) of the DIY hot-pot-and-grill restaurant Shabuway will open at 5120 Geary. No word yet on an opening date.

Gilberth's Rotisserie & Grill has soft opened, according to Tablehopper. The Latin-fusion restaurant is serving a limited menu of their dishes inspired by Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Central American cuisine (2427-2429 Third St. at 20th St.).

Quick switch: Tablehopper reveals that the 18-year-old Rex Cafe will close at the end of the month and transform into the Spanish restaurant Marbella. The new place will feature a few family-style dishes and will unveil a cocktail program. Olé!

Cafe Gratitude: One stays, one goes. Vegansaurus reports, via Berkeleyside, that the raw, self-edifying Cafe Gratitude has an update on the closing-opening-closing front. The North Berkeley location of the restaurant will remain, while the cafe in the Oakland Whole Foods will shutter before the end of the month.

Also, Tablehopper discovers Cafe Altano in Hayes Valley has shuttered. We guess the owners will be focusing on their other eatery: SOMA Restaurant & Bar.

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

Sushi Ninja, the restaurant where you can order a roll that comes in a "flame-engulfed aluminum-foil boat," is in full swing, according to Eater SF, via Thrillist (900 Bush at Taylor). Who knew sushi had an angle of danger?

The Mayan taqueria Kúuup is open, according to Grub Street (2052 Mission at 16th St.). Currently there's just one Yelp review attesting to the fact they do indeed have tacos.

Grub Street notes the SF Grill Castro Almost Famous Panini Grilled Sandwiches (aka SF Grill Castro) is now grilling sandwiches (2301 Market at 16th St.). They're also serving soups and salads if you're interested in the less famous menu counterparts.

And for dessert, Eater SF shares that Yoppi Yogurt is swirling soft serve in the former Tuttimelon space (2125 Polk at Broadway). FYI: it's DIY.

Also, just a reminder: the Southern-leaning Hops & Hominy starts full service today too (1 Tillman Pl. at Grant).

Changes in the kitchen: PICAN's Chef Dean is readying to leave the state for a new job. His last chef appearance at the the Studio Gourmet will be tomorrow, according to the Studio team. Inside Scoop shares that he's heading to not-yet-open restaurant at an Atlantic City resort.

Over at the pending St Vincent, Inside Scoop notes Bill Niles (formerly of Bar Tartine) has been hired as the chef, and Sayre Piotrkowski (formerly of The Monk's Kettle) is slated to become the beer director.

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

After five years, Original Joe's has returned to S.F. Inside Scoop reports the Italian-American restaurant, which closed due to a fire, reopened in North Beach today. With fans rejoicing its return, and Mayor Ed Lee declaring it Original Joe's Day, we're pretty sure you'll be able to spot it: 601 Union (at Stockton).

Mr. Roboto gets to work at U-Sushi. Tablehopper discovers the that sushi restaurant, with robotic assistance that helps churns out rolls in approximately 60 seconds, has been rolling since last week (525 Market at First St.).

We knew the Citizen Cake space on Fillmore wouldn't be dark for long. Inside Scoop reveals that Troya, the Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant in the Inner Richmond, will open its second location in the spot. Troya Fillmore will open after a quick remodel.

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

There will soon be another place to grab a beer in the Mission. Inside Scoop reveals Southern Pacific Brewing is readying to open the doors to its large restaurant and brewery space, spanning two floors and 8,500-square feet. You can grab a burger and a beer starting this Friday (620 Treat at 19th Ave.).

Speaking of the Mission, the soon to be a former pop-up, Juhu Beach Club, found a permanent spot in a former grocery store on Mission (at 18th St.), as Mission Local first reported last week. Now, Inside Scoop discovers Preeti Mistry is aiming to open her Indian restaurant brick-and-mortar this Summer -- if all goes according to plan. Fingers crossed all construction work goes accordingly.

Over in the Castro it looks as though the American restaurant Luna is a goner. Eater SF reports a reader noticed its "shabby" interior, and they confirmed the number is disconnected.

Those who frequent the popular Sandbox Bakery can now visit the family's other spot for lunch: 903. Inside Scoop reports the opening and shares a peek at the menu (think: Asian-inspired sandwiches). Future plans for the Bernal Heights spot include an expanded menu and extended hours (903 Cortland at Folsom).

Goodbye sweet crepes: Grub Street notes Crêpe o Chocolat changed its moniker to Bio and nixed the crepes. There's a gluten-free quiche on the menu (if you're into that).

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

Bow-chica-wow-wow and a side of steak. Eater SF discovers that the pending Penthouse Club and Steakhouse will be moving into North Beach. The first west coast location of the club is slated for the former Showgirls spot. Look for a grand opening party this March, hosted by none other than Jenna Jameson.

There seems to be a theme. Inside Scoop reports a new sandwich shop, Big Al's Cheez 'n Bologna, has opened among the bright lights and tata shows (556 Broadway at Columbus).

With Ryan Scott's pending Please & Thank You restaurant chain, we can't say we're totally surprised his Brunch Drunk Love series at Bruno's is coming to a close. Eater SF reports this weekend will be the last, as he prepares to open the first outpost of Please & Thank You in West Portal next month.

Hops & Hominy will officially open before the end of the month. The southern restaurant with a penchant for fried chicken will start full service on Jan. 30, according to Eater SF.

And just a quick note on something we missed last week. LiveSOMA shares there's a new bar in the neighborhood: Raven (1151 Folsom at Eighth St.). The former Club Eight spot seems to have tamed itself and the new bar is said to be more in line with other SOMA establishments City Beer Store and Bloodhound.

The past 24 hours in gossip, innuendo, and cold hard facts about the San Francisco food scene.

Max's on the Square is readying to shutter. A reader alerted us to the fact that servers were given severance notices for the end of February. The restaurant confirmed they are closing, but the exact date remains unknown.

Tablehopper has been looking for a decent souvlaki place, and now she's heard there's a chain with its eyes on San Francisco: Souvla. Just one catch, owner Charles Billies is still seeking investors, so no souvlaki quite yet.

The Basque region cuisine is continuing its takeover of the City. SFGate reports Bask will be the latest basque restaurant to call S.F. home. Specifically, its home is that undefined area between the Financial District and North Beach. The restaurant from two husband-and-wife teams is moving into the former (not creepy at all) burger joint Clown Alley.

Also from SFGate, Thermidor is on the market. But this doesn't mean it's slated to close, not yet anyway. That all depends on the future owner's plans.

New face behind the bar: Inside Scoop confirms Quince and Cotogna's new winder director, Chris Baggetta, will start in February. He replaces David Lynch, who left to embark on his own restaurant venture.

Opening this week: LiveSOMA reports Dottie's True Blue Cafe remains on course to reopen tomorrow. Meanwhile, Tablehopper learns, via Gianni.TV, Geppetto, that the Italian deli next door to the owner's other restaurant (Trattoria Pinocchio), may open tomorrow as well.