So many new restaurants, so little time.
Hayes Valley, San Francisco: Newcomer Marino opened yesterday in the original Frjtz spot on Hayes Street. The interior is cozy and narrow, the cuisine is Mexican seafood, and the wall decorations are fish. For more first impressions, The Weekly stopped by for an early look at the place. 579 Hayes Street, near Laguna; (415) 626-1162
The Embarcadero, San Francisco: The cafe portion of the Plant Cafe is now up and running, serving coffees, teas, pastries. As for the restaurant side of the operation, they're hoping for the weekend, but if that doesn't happen, it should "definitely" be open by next weekend. Pier 3, near Washington and Embarcadero; (415) 984-1973; website
Potrero Hill, San Francisco: Tomorrow, longtime plywood vetāand combination gallery/marketplace/bistroāHoratius is scheduled to finally make its debut across from the CCA. The Mediterranean bistro portion will focus on Portuguese fare, and NB, is only open from 7am to 3:30pm for now. Dinner service is on the way, but the gallery is open until 8pm. 350 Kansas Street, between 16th and 17th; (415) 252-3500; website
Santana Row, San Jose: Roland Passot's LB Steak premieres tonight in the shuttered Tanglewood space. It's a steakhouse that's been slightly Frenchified by Passot. It's a big spaceā120 seats inside, 60 outsideāand then there's the adjacent bar area too. For further reading, FoodGal went to the previews. 334 Santana Row, San Jose; (408) 244-1180; website