Some San Francisco favorites got a second act as other new restaurants opened in December.
The venerable North Beach Restaurant returned, along with a popular brewery and a top French restaurant that got a new twist. They arrived alongside new dessert shops and a small but mighty smashburger shrine.
French restaurant gets a new act
Tablehopper reported crepe spot La Sarrasine — a Chronicle critic pick for the top French restaurants list — has reopened with a new look and menu following a temporary closure. The restaurant resurfaced as Bistro La Chaumiere with Francesco Brevetti as chef de cuisine and all-day offerings. Breakfast options include breakfast sandwiches and a shakshuka served as late as 3 p.m. Lunch dishes include onion soup, moules frites and buckwheat gallettes, a favorite during the La Sarrasine days. Duck confit with lentils and bouillabaisse feature on the dinner menu.
607 Divisadero, San Francisco. chaumieresf.com
Trailblazing brewery pouring pints again
Landmark brewery Magnolia made a comeback after months of inactivity following a sale to new local owners. The tasting room with a basement brewery returned with guest beers from San Francisco Brewing and Oakland’s Ghost Town Brewing as its house beers. Its longtime favorites like the Prescription pale ale and Kalifornia Kolsch will be on tap shortly. Other beverages include cocktails, wines and nonalcoholic options. The menu includes burgers, wings, salads and pita platters with spreads like white bean dip and whipped feta with honey…