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- Dine-and-dashers have always been a problem for restaurants in San Francisco and elsewhere, but never more so than during a pandemic that has stretched the limits of restaurants’ finances to the very end. K-Elements BBQ on Clement St. has been the victim of such scams with groups ditching tabs two days in a row over the weekend, including a group of three young women who left a note with cash in the restaurant’s mailbox after seeing themselves on the news. The restaurant reopened in February but is still only open four days per week as they work to staff up and get back on their feet. Delivery dine-and-dash scams are also a problem: When food leaves the restaurant, it can disappear in transit, go to the wrong place, or have diners submit complaints for refunds, all of which falls on the restaurateur. Notably, a popular Korean restaurant in LA — Spoon by H — was forced to close its doors after a series of fraudulent orders and chargebacks. [CBS]
- Though Hippie Hill will not be the site of any 420 festivities this year, the spirit is alive and well in San Francisco. To prepare for your own COVID-safe festivities at home, there are plenty of great options for cannabis delivery. Here’s a handy guide for anyone in need of recommendations; don’t forget to plot some excellent takeout as part of the celebration, too. [7x7]
- As anticipated after last week’s announcement, the city and county of San Francisco are easing some local restrictions, while remaining in the orange tier. As of today, social gatherings of up to 25 people can be held out doors with food, restaurants offering outdoor dining can seat up eight people per table, and the 11 p.m. curfew is lifted for indoor dining, which remains at 50 percent capacity. [ESF]
- A new patio bar and restaurant is in the works in downtown Oakland as part of the shockingly modern addition of the Moxy Hotel. The hotel, which is reminiscent of Virgin’s splashy branding with hot pink, neon, and a complimentary cocktail greeting upon arrival, has plans to open a Cuban restaurant within it that will take advantage of ourdoor seating on Telegraph Avenue. The restaurant, La Palabra, is slated to open late summer with chef Daniel Brajkovic (Caña and now-closed Taza de Café) leading it. [Berkeleyside]
