Doggie diner
Norcina, Andytown, best macarons, French Laundry, SingleThread, Troubadour, MORE
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WORK • Wednesday Routine
Martini hound
KAIT BAUMAN • chef & owner • Norcina & Frankie’s
Neighborhood you live and work in: Marina
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Most Wednesdays start with an Americano. Andytown beans through the La Marzocco, splash of half-and-half, and a walk with my yellow Lab Frankie Boy — he needs his steps, especially with all the extra snacks our restaurant patrons give him — before diving into shift notes from the night before. I own an Italian restaurant, Norcina, and a cocktail bar, Frankie’s, and I’m currently opening my third restaurant, Scout.
Mornings are usually spent answering emails (usually about when Frank will be in the office), putting out the occasional fire, checking in with my best bud and manager Angelo, and making construction decisions for Scout, the new restaurant. I split my time between the kitchen, the dining room, and my office (which is really just a milk crate in the alley), but if you ask me where I’m happiest, it’s chatting with guests or cooking alongside my team.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I’m finalizing menus for catering events, testing recipes for Scout, talking through menu design with my good friend from pre-school, Lauren Dash, (who has done our branding and graphic design for Scout), working on staff training, discussing how to make happy hour chic, and modifying Norcina’s hours to be open until midnight to satisfy the post-10p pizza crowd.
Next week I’m harvesting honey for the restaurants at my brother and sister-in-law’s farm in Sonoma. They’re planting vines on property, making wine under the label Two Shadows. Michael Accurso is the winemaker, a close friend who has many gems on the Norcina list.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Owning and operating restaurants means I don’t get out nearly as much as I’d like, but I stay religious on my monthly supper club with three of my closest friends. The rule is simple: we go somewhere none of us has been before. It’s one of my favorite traditions. As restaurant people, it’s easy to get stuck in your own world, and it’s always inspiring to experience what others are creating. We went to Ernest a couple months ago which I’ve been wanting to try for so long, but just have never had a chance, and I was blown away. I also love State Bird, Cotogna, and in Marin, Buckeye. Michael’s Sourdough for lunch or nachos from Picante in San Rafael.
How about leisure or culture?
I’m also a big fan of Impressionist art. My aunt used to take me to the Legion of Honor to see Monet exhibitions when I was young, and that’s a core memory for me. There’s an exhibition of his at the de Young right now that I’m looking forward to seeing.
Any weekend getaways?
Sonoma is the moment. It’s close enough to feel spontaneous but far enough away to truly unwind; it’s the Burgundy to Napa’s Bordeaux. Farm driven, less glitz, exquisite food and wine. I love to stay at the MacArthur, and there are incredible wineries, beautiful scenery, and some of my favorite restaurants (Golden Bear Station in Kenwood is a current favorite). My uncle and cousins own Capo Isetta winery, so stopping there is always a highlight. It feels less like a tasting room and more like visiting family. If you’re feeling adventurous, go slightly further to Philo for Jumbo’s Win Win. Scott is a friend, and has reinvigorated the Mendocino gateway. Stop at Roederer for some bubbles, too!
Central Coast and Tahoe are strong contenders, too — my very good friends live there and I love any excuse to go to Bell’s, Bar Le Cote, Priedite, or Clark’s in Montecito, or to spend a day on the lake with a Wet Woody in Tahoe. Frank can’t resist a dip in the frigid water.
What was your last great vacation?
I just got back from Italy and Mallorca, which I adore. But rather than the mainstays, we ventured off the beaten path. Umbria instead of Tuscany. Inca instead of Palma (though we do love El Camino in Palma). We stayed at Finca Serena and Can Beneit, explored the mountains around Sóller, and spent time in Umbria visiting our favorite wineries, agriturismos, and trattorias you must stumble upon.
A recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I’m trying to figure out how to import a 1970 Fiat 500 back from Tuscany. (I’m a bit of a nut for vintage cars — ask my neighbors.)
A store or service you always recommend?
We’re sending people to farmers markets and small specialty food producers. My mom and aunt always meet at the Marin Farmers Market on Thursdays and I tag along with them sometimes. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Primavera stand’s chilaquiles are the thing of dreams.
WORK LINKS: How exposed is your job to AI? • Obsessives win the hiring game • How to stay afloat in Bending Spoons’ punishing applicant pool.
RESTAURANTS • Fine Dining Report
Northern exposure
Summertime in Healdsburg is hard to beat. For food and wine enthusiasts, Healdsburg offers an abundance of culinary treasures both before and beyond my usual fine dining main event: the acclaimed SingleThread Farms (above).
RESTAURANT LINKS: Bonita Taqueria y Rotisserie replaces Tacolicious in the Marina • Long-promised opening of Julius’ Castle set for September • The Bay Area has reached peak bow croissant • Behold the Campari-stuffed olive.
CULTURE & LEISURE • Carpe Dentum
Mosswood Meltdown Pre-Party • John Waters hosts Pavement, Wednesday, Vivian Girls • Mosswood Park (Oakland) • Fri @ 4p • VIP, $165 per
DL Hughley • Cobb’s Comedy Club (North Beach) • Sat @ 930p • Preferred, $62 per
Mrs. Doubtfire • The Castro Theatre (Castro) • Sun @ 630p • GA, $21 per
CULTURE & LEISURE LINKS: SF’s 13-mile landmark-linking cross-city Golden Gate Dozen trail has opened • Your summer Dolores Park bingo card • Audra McDonald, Jean-Yves Thibaudet join Michael Tilson Thomas tribute.
GOODS & SERVICES • The Nines
Macarons
The Nines are FOUND’s distilled lists of the best in the Bay Area and surrounds. Paid subscribers have access to the complete Nines archive.
Le Dix-Sept Patisserie (Potrero Hill, above), monthly themed boxes for weekend pickup w/ flavors incl. raspberry rose, passion fruit