If you've been eager to get a peek at the new Chubby Noodle at 1310 Grant Ave. in the former Pisto's Tacos, you're in luck. It's hosting a fashion pop-up and fundraiser from 5–9pm Thursday and is slated to open June 15th, as we previously reported.
On Thursday, they'll pass complimentary appetizers, and guests can buy drinks at the cash bar and do some shopping. A portion of proceeds will benefit North Beach Citizens, a group that works one-on-one with the homeless to help them become independent.
"I saw the space and it looks amazing," said Kat Ensign, co-owner of Les Méchantes fashion, which carries apparel, jewelry, accessories, handbags, home items and dog accessories. "’It's had a whole revamp from the old Pisto’s Tacos. It looks so nice."
She said the reason for the event is threefold: To get the word out that Chubby Noodle is opening, to showcase a pop-up for the Les Méchantes brand and merchandise, and to raise money for North Beach Citizens. Because Les Méchantes is online, Ensign said, "We do these pop-up events so people can meet us and get to know us and see the products." You may have browsed the shop's wares at the grand opening of The Yard at Mission Rock near AT&T Park in March.
Les Méchantes pop-up. Photo: Kat Ensign
How did these three very different entities combine forces? "We've been long-term friends of the owner of Chubby Noodle, Pete (Mrabe)," Ensign said. "The day Pete opened Don Pisto's, I moved to North Beach, and that was five-and-a-half years ago."
Mrabe was supportive when Ensign launched Les Méchantes online in November 2014 with Ashley Arabian of Nob Hill and Delores Arabian, her mother, of the Marina. And the three owners of Les Méchantes recently attended a fundraiser for North Beach Citizens and were moved to help. "It resonated with us," Ensign said. "It inspired us. It's a charity that hit very close to home and it's something we all became passionate about."
And Mrabe might have a soft spot for pop-ups, given that Chubby Noodle started as one inside Amante at 570 Green St. back in 2010 and has provided its bar menu ever since. The first stand-alone Chubby Noodle opened at 2205 Lombard St. in the Marina last year, and Mrabe recently bought Amante and plans some changes, particularly an updated cocktail scene, according to Tablehopper.
Chubby Noodle will only sell beer, wine and sake cocktails, we're told. It's targeting an opening on June 15th, so keep an eye on 1310 Grant Ave. next week.
