San Francisco foodies will soon have a new hot spot to chat about. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence will be opening his first restaurant, Wayfare Tavern, at the end of June. Best known for his Food Network stardom and multitude of cookbooks, this will be his first restaurant venture. Set in the old Rubicon space in the Financial District, Tyler hopes this restaurant will pay proper homage to turn-of-the-century San Francisco Barbary Coast and the variety of cuisine it inspired.
His kitchen staff includes chef de cuisine Michael Thiemann (formerly of Merriman’s in Hawaii and Hapuku Lodge in New Zealand) and local sous chef Emily Hansen (formerly of Baker & Banker and Gary Danko in San Francisco).
The three-story building is accented with brick and dark wood paneled walls, leather booths and even has a billiard room with a direct phone line to the bartender.
The menu is a vast array of California cuisine, but Florence stays true to tavern fare. You will find the list of menu options includes a raw bar, daily blue plate specials, as well as a dessert menu full cakes, puddings, and pies. One of Forence’s goals for Wayfare? He says he hopes to have the best burger in San Francisco. With his culinary skills and obvious appreciation for San Francisco, this chef may just see that wish come true.
Florence also plans to open Rotisserie & Wine in Napa and El Paseo in Mill Valley in upcoming months. Wayfare Tavern is currently taking reservations through Opentable.com that begin June 22.
