Marina's 'Sugarhill Kitchen' Launches Weekend Brunch

Marina's 'Sugarhill Kitchen' Launches Weekend BrunchSoufflé pancakes. | Photos: Sugarhill Kitchen
Walter Thompson
Published on December 29, 2017

After operating Sugarhill Kitchen (1449 Lombard St. at Van Ness) for over a year, chef/owner Jennie Kim wants to meet more of her neighbors.

"Lombard Street has lots of culture," said Kim, citing the range of visitors who frequent the area's hotels and motels.

"I see many different people, lots of international tourists. French, Brazilian—it’s very interesting in here, but I don't really see my neighbors here much."

To draw in more locals as winter sets in, Kim is launching the restaurant's first weekend brunch service. On Saturday and Sunday from 10–2, Sugarhill Kitchen is rolling out a traditional brunch menu that's focused on comfort.

"My inspiration for the brunch menu is more like home cooking, but my special thing is fermentation, so I like to use lots of sauces," she said.

A three-egg soufflé omelette plated with kimchi risotto is Kim's attempt "to introduce a little fusion Korean" to Sugarhill Kitchen's regular menu, which offers health-conscious grilled items, salads, and handmade dumplings, as well as raw and vegan dishes.

Soufflé omelette with kimchi risotto.

"I try to make things as healthy as possible, but some things, that doesn’t work out so well," said Kim.

The brunch menu is hearty: a thick slice of honey bread comes topped with fruit and a scoop of ice cream ($14), and fluffy soufflé pancakes with fruit and syrup ($15) are "what I like to make at home," added the chef/owner.

Mimosas and sangria are available by the glass or pitcher, along with beer, wine, and soju cocktails. The space is also available for private events and celebrations.

Steak and eggs with flatbread.

Since opening in October 2016, Kim's invited customers in for events like Super Bowl parties and prix fixe Valentine's Day dinners, but she believes weekend brunch will be a great way to regularly connect with locals.

"I'd like to talk to my neighbors, and I think this is a good way to say hello," she said.

Sugarhill Kitchen (415-292-2368) is located at 1449 Lombard St. and is open from 10-2 for brunch on weekends and from 4–10pm every day.