SF Eats: Negroni Week beckons, Twilight Cafe shutters on McAllister, more

SF Eats: Negroni Week beckons, Twilight Cafe shutters on McAllister, morePurple Mountain Majesty. | Photo courtesy of Violet's
Alisa Scerrato
Published on June 24, 2019

In this edition, a popular burger joint plots expansion in SoMa, San Francisco bars and restaurants raise money for charity while celebrating a classic Italian cocktail, and a longtime eatery closes in the Inner Richmond.

Coming Soon

SoMa

Super Duper Burgers (117 New Montgomery St.)

Photo: Carrie Sisto/Hoodline

Hoodline contributor Carrie Sisto spotted a notice at the former Lee’s Deli space indicating that yet another Super Duper Burgers is coming to the city. According to the public liquor license, an application is pending for an eating place that serves beer and wine.

The burger chain has seven locations in San Francisco (and more throughout the Bay Area), making this its eighth in the city. While opening plans are still in the beginning stages, Super Duper's website announces that the new outpost is "coming soon."

Events

Citywide

This week is Negroni Week in San Francisco (June 24–30, 2019). Here's a small sample of participating restaurants and bars offering their spin on the classic drink while raising funds for charitable causes:

Horsefeather (528 Divisadero St.)

The Southeast Asian and Vietnamese-inspired Three Ships Negroni, made with Roku Japanese gin, Campari, blanc vermouth, lemongrass and black pepper, will be served throughout the week. The drink will benefit Miriam’s Kitchen, whose mission is to end chronic homelessness.

Last Rites (718 14th St.)

This Polynesian-Noir tiki bar will serve a Rum Negroni with Trois Rivieres Cuvee de L'Ocean, Carpano Antica and Campari. The rum adds a twist to the classic cocktail. Each purchase of the cocktail supports the Surfriders Foundation, whose work includes protecting coastal oceans, beaches and waves. 

True Laurel (753 Alabama St.)

Sweet Berry Pine Nah-Groni. | Photo: Anthony Parks/Courtesy true laurel

True Laurel is celebrating the week with a non-alcoholic beverage offering –– the Sweet Berry Pine Nah-Groni. It’s a house-made drink with Gentian and Pine Tisane and a Piñon Pine-Strawberry Cordial that is milk washed, clarified and finished with a zero-ABV cherry and rhubarb bitter float. A portion of proceeds from every Nah-Groni will go to The Pin Project, an organization that aims to create safe spaces for members of the bar industry who opt not to drink alcohol.

Violet's (2301 Clement St.)

Violet’s will offer three Negroni variations: The first is the Star Lord, made with Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Cinzano Rosso Vermouth, Campari and Haddad Arak. This drink is a mix of three other Negroni variations: The Quill, Old Pal and Jamaican Negroni. The second is a Negroni Mi Amore, made with Citizen Gin, Junipero Gin, St. George Terroir Gin, Alessio Torino, Alessio Chinato and Campari. Finally, Violet's is offering the Purple Mountain Majesty, made with Bimini Gin, Capurro Quebranta Pisco, Campari, Martini and Rossi Ambrato Vermouth and Q Grapefruit Soda. A portion from each drink will benefit the SF Marin Food Bank

Closures

Inner Richmond

Twilight Cafe (2600 McAllister St.)

Photo: Ashlee M./Yelp

The Inner Richmond’s Twilight Café has closed after 39 years of business. The neighborhood Middle Eastern spot that served affordable kabobs and sandwiches recently posted a note to their door saying they have reached a “difficult decision” to terminate the business. The note said:

“We dedicated those 39 years to serving our wonderful neighbors, USF faculty, and St. Mary’s Hospital, especially those from the Fromm Institute, the most wonderful people of all. Thanks for all your support and understanding. It has been a pleasure serving you all and getting to know most of you by name and seeing your wonderful smiles. Best wishes and good health to everyone. We will miss you all.”

If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.