This week's food-world news brings us a new beer bar in the Tenderloin, the closing of Pearl's Deluxe Burgers 2-year-old mid-Market location, and the debut of the new modern Thai restaurant near Union Square from famed food blogger Chez Pim.

First up, Pim Techamuanvivit and chef de cuisine Michael Gaines (recently of Central Kitchen) are set to open their modern Thai restaurant Kin Khao tonight, February 21, in the former Smooth Thai space at Mason and Ellis (in the Parc 55 hotel). I mentioned it as one of the 10 restaurant openings that I'm most excited about this year, and with Pim's knowledge and style and Gaines' talents it promises to be especially delicious. Also, there's a cocktail program from the Bon Vivants of Trick Dog fame. See the full food menu here. [Tablehopper]

Sad news for mid-Market burger fiends: Pearl's Deluxe Burgers is calling it quits on their second city location at 6th and Market after just two and a half years. It seems that the location just wasn't profitable enough, and there was a rumor that the landlord was trying to hike the rent. [SFist]

Meanwhile up in the Tenderloin, beer and food bar Hopwater Distribution (850 Bush Street) just opened its doors last weekend, boasting 31 beers on tap and a full menu of beer-friendly fare including a fried oyster po'boy, Dungeness crab tots, a burger, and a fried chicken sandwich. Also: oyster Jell-O shots (not with actual Jell-O). [Inside Scoop]

And Union Larder, a new cheese, wine, beer, and charcuterie bar is on its way to Russian Hill, 1945 Hyde to be exact. It's a project from the team behind Little Vine in North Beach, and in addition to serving Alpine-style food (think cheesy things like raclette and fondue), as well as wine and other beverages, the space will be a small market like Little Vine with a full-service cheese counter. They're aiming for an early June opening. [Tablehopper]