Lady Tablehopper confirmed rumors that Absinthe would be taking over Citizen Cake's original Hayes Valley space at Gough and Grove. She points out there's no concept nailed down at this point, but it would make sense to split the difference between the upscale Absinthe and the casual Arlequin next door. Whatever it ends up being, it's safe to say the team has the pre-Opera drinks game cornered. (Unless we get a run of Pirates of Penzance, that is.) [Tablehopper via GrubstreetSF]
In a Q&A with Goodbite.com today, Michael Mina confessed he has no plans yet for his old flame Aqua at 252 California, but just couldn't let his first love get away from him like that. [Goodbite]
Mercury News reports that the dust has settled at Mountain View's Chez TJ after Bruno Chemel's departure. According to correspondent Jennifer Graue, new chef Scott Nishiyama has stepped up to admirably and boy, can he cook some beets. [Mercury News]
