Second skin
Jaji, FOUND LDN & Paris, Hillsborough listings, Yo Tambien Cantina, Max Mara, the best leggings, 9 elevated burgers, MORE
RESTAURANTS • First Word
Poppy party
The Skinny: Husband-and-wife restaurateurs Paul Iglesias and Sophia Akbar have already paid tribute to the former’s Colombian heritage at Parche — and now, new and nearby restaurant Jaji gives Akbar’s Pashtun heritage a chance to shine in Uptown Oakland.
The Vibe: An airy main dining room and bar area make for a lively, bustling good time. Floating above diner are over 300 fabric panels, in poppy-inspired shades of orange, yellow, and pink, while small vases of poppies ring the room. Woven rugs from Akbar’s family line an area behind the bar dubbed B.Akbar, an intimate zone with couches and a turntable that will host 20-person cocktail tastings.
The Drink: The cocktail menu makes ample use of spices common in Afghan cuisine. Saffron makes for a beautifully gold-hued, subtly flavored, tequila-based Saffron Martini. Turmeric makes its way into the very delicious Ancient Roots, a spin on a whiskey sour featuring Redwood Empire bourbon, oloroso sherry, turmeric syrup, egg white, and lemon.
The Food: Akbar’s mother and grandmother contributed family recipes that Iglesias then modernized, resulting in a menu bursting with Afghani flavors in fun, sprightly dish compositions. Starter highlights include the hummus-like, mildly spiced Mamma’s Daal, served with toasted flatbreads for dipping; and the Shola-Qorooti Aracnini, small croquettes made with rice and mung beans, served with walnut oil and qoroot (fermented yogurt) aioli. Among the larger dishes, the early star is whole roasted trout served with house-made chili crisp, roasted lemon, and a salad of herbs and microgreens.
The Verdict: Jaji seems destined to attract plenty of fans for those both unfamiliar and well acquainted with the flavors of Afghan cuisine — which, until now, has been found mainly in traditional forms in the far reaches of the East Bay. With its central Oakland setting, it’s also a terrific addition to the multicultural array of food the city already has to offer, and the cocktail program and B.Akbar space — as well as a big private dining room — bring a fresh party energy to Oakland’s Uptown. –Jay Barmann
→ Jaji (Oakland) • 422 24th St • Sun & Wed-Thur 5p-930, Fri-Sat 5-10p • Reserve.
Photo: Hardy Wilson.
SF RESTAURANT LINKS: CA moves to ban reservation scalping • Shoji sneaks open in SoMa • Rosalind Bakery plots hoagie shop in Embarcadero Two • Flour + Water Pizza Shop expands to Oakland • How are restaurants splashing their VIPs?
WORK • Launches
New FOUNDs
Over the last month, we’ve been running test issues for both FOUND Paris and FOUND LDN, and both are looking good. We’re on track for Q1 launches in both markets.
As with the U.S. editions of FOUND, the central idea is to help locals get more out of their cities (and surrounds). But both Paris and London will be good and useful reads for savvy visitors, too. If you’re in either camp (or have friends who are), use these early-access links to get on the lists:
Meanwhile, we’ve assembled a talented team of contributors on the ground in each city. But there’s always room for more sharp writers (and non-writers with good taste). If you’d like to join the party, drop us a line at found@foundparis.com or found@foundldn.com.
REAL ESTATE • On the Market
Crossed streams
With zero commercial zoning across its 6.2 square miles, the unincorporated town of Hillsborough feels far from the buzz of San Francisco, even though it's just 15 minutes away. Its twisty roads, rolling landscape, and multiple bubbling brooks provide solid separation and privacy. It’s an area for folks who are done with the indignities of urban density but maintain an appreciation for the city’s culture and lifestyle. Or as one resident puts it: “It’s where you move when you grow up.”
The median sale price of a home in Hillsborough was $6M in January, up 41% year-over-year, Redfin reports. Here, three listings for those considering the quiet(er) life:
→ 840 Lombardi Ln (Hillsborough) • 5BR/4.2BA, 6338 SF house • Ask: $6.9M (reduced from $7.2M on 10/14) • cathedral-ceilinged 1985 build in private cul-de-sac • Days on market: 142 • Agent: Patrice Carper, Compass.
→ 110 New Place Rd (Hillsborough) • 5BR/4.1BA, 4510 SF house • Ask: $9.995M • renovated Spanish-style, w/ heated cabana and built-in trampoline • Days on market: 103 • Agent: Andrew Greenman, Compass.
→ 1200 Jackling Dr (Hillsborough, above) • 11BR/10.5BA • 13635 SF house • Ask: $40M • 1929-built Bing Crosby Estate for sale after 60 years in same family • Days on market: 16 • Agent: Jennifer Gilson, Sotheby’s.
SF WORK AND PLAY LINKS: Gray home trend nears expiration date • Michael Tillson Thomas to conduct final show in SF • Google pushes the 60-hour work week • Tech job market predicted to bounce bigger than ever • Why do SUVs look like trucks again? • White jeans for men? ‘Jail.’
CULTURE & LEISURE • Spice is Life
Megan Stalter • Palace of Fine Arts (Marina) • Fri @ 7p • Orchestra Row A, $67 per
The Pharcyde • Yoshi’s (Oakland) • Sat @ 730p • Premier, $119 per
Dune • David Lynch, 1984 • Roxie Theater (Mission) • Sun @ 1p • GA, $17 per
WORK • Wednesday Routine
Home slice
LUCIA LITMAN • marketing consultant, Lucy & You • writer, My First Rodeo
Neighborhood you live and work in: Russian Hill
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your work?
I work from home — my setup isn't glamorous, but I have a great view from my window.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I'm a consultant, so I work for a few different brands. A recent launch I’m excited about is Sachi, which matches parents looking for extra childcare with teachers looking for supplementary income. We just did a photoshoot for launch, so I'm working on updating the messaging on the website, and figuring out how we're going to get people to try it.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Today I'll swing by my go-to lunch spot, Yo Tambien Cantina. Their menu changes frequently and always incorporates the best of California seasonal produce. I could eat there every day. Tonight, I'm going to La Conessa with friends — it's from the owners of Spruce. On Sunday, I'll probably swing by my neighborhood bar, Bar Iris. Not only do they have the best cocktails in the city, but they also have amazing bar food that's made from their sister restaurant, Nisei.
How about a little leisure or culture?
One of the best things in SF is how epic walks in the city are. My normal everyday walk takes me to Crissy Field, where I regularly see seals and always have a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the cargo ships that pass through. There’s classic walks like Lands End and Sutro Baths, but one of my favorites is the Filbert Street Steps — amazing views of the city, great gardens, and some SF quirk.
Any weekend getaways?
I'm partial to Big Sur. I find it's one place where I can always go and recharge, and come back feeling rested and inspired. I also love to go to Los Alamos and Los Olivos — basically any excuse to eat at Bell's and have a glass of wine at Bodega.
What was your last great vacation?
Montenegro, which was beautiful. I wanted to go somewhere that not a ton of people had been to, so I could explore. I stayed at Villa Geba near Sveti Stefan. Queen's Beach was stunning. I also stayed at the Chedi Lustica Bay. I loved Almara Beach Club and taking trips to Porto Montenegro to go shopping, eat at Bokka, and have a great drink at One Bar and Restaurant. While you're there, you can do a cool boat tour to visit the Blue Caves, abandoned submarine tunnels, and other sights like Our Lady of the Rocks.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
After years of wearing puffers or gigantic cookie-monsteresque colorful faux-fur coats, I recently finally bought a very normal, classic Max Mara coat. It's something I truly believe I'll have forever and is so classic, it’ll never go out of style. It elevates every outfit and makes me not as grumpy when I have to go outside when it's colder.
What store or service do you always recommend?
I always tell people to go to McMullen, one of the best boutiques I've ever been to. There's a flagship store in Oakland and they recently opened a location in SF. They have designers there that everybody knows and loves, but Sherri, the owner, has such a great eye for new brands.
GETAWAYS LINKS: New United Club planned for SFO’s Terminal 2 • American (finally) trialing free in-flight wifi • At Lake Tahoe, Lone Eagle Grill has closed • Brian Arden Wines shutters Napa tasting room • Nekajui, first Ritz Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica, has opened • Hotelier André Balazs talks about Chiltern Firehouse’s massive fire: ‘it’s a complete redo.’
GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Object
Second skin
Not long ago, right before an SLT class, one of my favorite instructors complimented my workout fit, a black onesie.
“It’s the bodysuit version of the Splits59 Airweight leggings,” I told her. “I’m obsessed.” She laughed and told me she couldn’t wear the Airweight line to work out because she felt completely naked. I took the point, which highlighted the ridiculous comfort level of the Airweight line, a longtime best-seller from LA-based Splits59.
Founders Jonathan Schwartz and Keith Peterson told me their goal with the Airweight collection (which also includes bras and shorts) was to design pieces fit for everyday life, including a night out in heels (see the Airweight Stirrup legging). The secret is in the fabric, an ultra-thin, buttery soft, stretchy blend of nylon and spandex. For years, I was basically the unpaid publicist for Lululemon’s Align leggings (often considered the holy grail of comfy activewear). I convinced countless friends to buy them. But here’s the thing: Splits59’s Airweight leggings are even better, truly like a second skin. –Kat Odell
→ Shop: Splits59 • leggings from $128.
ASK FOUND
Three FOUND subscriber PROMPTS for which we are seeking intel:
After London and Paris, where should FOUND launch next?
What shops are you keeping an eye on for spring lines?
Which outdoor dining and rooftop spots are you most excited to visit as SF warms up?
Got answers or more questions? Hit reply or email found@itsfoundsf.com.
RESTAURANTS • The Nines
Burgers, elevated
The Nines are FOUND's distilled lists of the Bay Area’s best. Additions or subtractions? Hit reply or found@itsfoundsf.com.
Causwells (Marina, above), “Fancy Pants,” w/ peppered pork confit, melted onions, taleggio, reserve