Six Bay Area / NorCal semifinalists, including Chez Noir, are 2024 James Beard Award finalists; San Francisco's Kiln is not advancing. Categories like Best Chef and Outstanding Bar feature local talents. Mai Nguyen is noted for agricultural advocacy work.

The Blind Pig speakeasy has reopened in Polk Street, featuring a password-entry system and a unique cocktail menu with Asian flavors, as reported by Eater San Francisco.

AsiaSF, a renowned trans cabaret show in San Francisco, has extended its closure date to April 28 instead of March 31 after public support. Celebrating its 26th anniversary on April 17, the venue will continue with pop-up events post-closure.

Mazra, a Mediterranean restaurant, gears up to open a new branch in Redwood City, boasting a large grill and space for 130 guests. The Makableh brothers are behind the popular spot, originally from a San Bruno market.

New owner Serhat Zorlu tells Hoodline that the sustainable seafood restaurant reopens Wednesday — just in time for the relaunch of the weekly Castro Farmer's Market.

Fare Play, a queer-owned pop-up in San Francisco, offers farm-to-table dishes curated by Chef Brenden Blaine Darby, with a playful and seasonal menu that's community-centric.

Broad Street Oyster Co. opens in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square, offering its renowned lobster rolls and a seafood menu with local twists like cioppino and Dungeness crab.

The Castro's newest Chinese restaurant Joyful Garden is now open at 438A Castro Street, formerly Thailand Restaurant.

Humphry Slocombe opened a new store in Concord and offered free scoops with a charity drive for Project Open Hand. The boutique is known for unique flavors and has multiple Bay Area locations.

Che Fico Italian restaurant in San Francisco has halved its 10% pandemic surcharge, now adding a 5% charge to support SF mandates, continuing its commitment to equitable pay.

After four years in the Castro, Bonita Taqueria y Rotisserie has closed at 3600 16th Street (at Market and Noe streets).

In-N-Out closed its only Oakland location after 18 years due to increased neighborhood crime, with concerns for safety overriding continued operations. The company offered staff transfers or severance and vows ongoing community support.

Ma'lawach Bar, specializing in Yemenite Jewish cuisine, opened in Palo Alto, offering traditional dishes like malawach and jachnun, crafted by Doreet Jehassi.