Close that Sprig app, call some friends, and make a gastronomic date at one of these choice spots.
The Best Ramen Deal in the Mission
Richie Nakano's Hapa Ramen is making waves. Many waves, it seems. Controversy aside, Nakano is best known for his astounding bowls of comfort. His nascent brick and mortar space in the Mission is also home to a glorious deal for late-night diners—a can of Sapporo, a shot, and a half bowl of ramen for only $20. 2293 Mission
And because the Mission cannot be the Mission without yet another restaurant occupying the area, Brett Cooper and the Daniel Patterson Group will open Aster (in the old Beast and the Hare space) at Guerrero and 21st Street. But this new joint promises to be different than the Mission's typical Edison bulb-lit buffoonery. Cooper's "nuanced, layered...technically precise" dishes include nori puffs with cauliflower mousse and burnt honey vinegar; cold smoked trout with sunchokes, radish, and preserved lemons; pork loin with fried potato, umeboshi, rhubarb, and tat soi rab; and beet cremeaux with white chocolate and hazelnuts. Aster opens on March 31. 1001 Guerrero
Luce’s 4th Annual Culinary Clash
The third of three student finalists from International Culinary Center will compete to work with Luce chef Corey Daniels. Student chef Nour Conway (who counts Dominique Crenn, Thomas Keller, and Christopher Kostow as her inspirations) will be joined by sous chef Tim Kang (currently at Plumed Horse in Saratoga). The event is $40/person, with an optional wine pairing for $20. A portion of proceeds go to benefit International Culinary Center’s Scholarship Fund. 888 Howard
Spring Mountain Vineyard Dinner at Parallel 37
Want something more fancy? Of course you do. On Thursday, March 26, head up Nob Hill for a special dinner springtime dinner by Chef Michael Rotondo. Parallel 37's chef will match each dish with Spring Mountain Vineyard’s wines, including their signature Elivette, a Bordeaux Blend awarded a gold medal for the ‘Best Bordeaux Blend in America’ by the Decanter World Wine Competition in 2013. Fancy. Get your tickets soon. The night starts at 6 p.m. with a wine and canapé reception prefacing dinner at 6:30 pm. $165 per guest. 600 Stockton
And Finally, The Yard at Mission Rock Opens this Week
Read all about it. Giants Lot A (corner of 3rd St. & Terry Francois Blvd)
