UNION STREET UPDATE
Our friends at The Dryansky Gallery (2120 Union Street) are welcoming a new baby this fall, so the gallery is open by appointment only for the remainder of the year — but they’re doing some exciting things with the space. Currently, the pop-up MM La Fleur women’s clothing is there through Nov. 13, so you still have time to book your champagne-sipping appointment with a personal stylist to find some great new additions to your fall wardrobe.
In good London company, Negarin London (2163 Union Street) opened recently, next door to Maggie Malone. The boutique features womenswear designs from Iranian-born designer-artist Negarin, whose inspiration comes from her Persian upbringing and worldwide travels. The garments are constructed in Poland (experts in tailoring, a surprise to us) and Italy (well, you know, Italy), Lithuania, and Los Angeles. Drop in and say hello to Marie.
Morning Lavender (2150 Union Street) opened last month in Leo Van Galen’s former upholstery space after debuting last year with a pop-up shop (also on Union). With the tagline, “A feminine boutique,” the store features reasonably priced women’s wear accented with a few home decor items. We spied the very skirt we’d (unsuccessfully) scoured the earth for two years ago, so we’ll be back for some real-time shopping. The boutique started with an online store, and owner Kim believes their online presence and a brick and mortar location will be the best of both worlds. Kim said she’s received a warm welcome, and we’re thrilled she chose Union Street.
We trust you’ve found this luxury women’s designer consignment shop, Sui Generis (2147 Union Street), tucked into that charming little historic courtyard just a few doors down from Coffee Roastery. Combined with their men’s store (2231 Market Street) they’ve been in business for 10 years, so we wanted to offer congratulations and appreciation for gracing the street with some fine fashions. Last year, we took our Christmas bonus in an extremely cool coat from Italy, which was a real no-brainer, right? If you haven’t discovered them, make sure you do. You’re sure to find, a well, find, and a unique (which is what the store name translates to) one at that.
THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE IS REAL
In search of some baby blue tissue paper for a gift recently, we headed down to Marina Cards & Stationery (3128 Fillmore Street), our go-to for the Hallmark card side of our family, and were disappointed to see they had closed up shop. On our return trip, we were struck at how the “Bermuda Triangle” is living up to its name — an alarming number of businesses between Union and Lombard have been “swallowed up”: The months-long empty Espresso Roma Cafe (3130 Union Street); the short-lived Indian food restaurant Lasan (3145 Fillmore Street); Work Happy (3151 Fillmore Street), offering shared working space; the long-vacated Caffe Dolci (3101 Fillmore Street) at the cursed corner of Filbert; the former Cabana Home (3024 Union Street); and Insite Antiques & Design (3001 Fillmore Street), where we once spied the adorable in the window — a shiba inu pup curled up snoozing in a wooden bowl. Also vacated is Motion Wireless (3048 Fillmore Street), which has just moved around the corner to 2117 Union Street, so that’s the best news of the bunch. Real Food (3060 Fillmore Street) is sadly the latest victim (see News Briefs, p. 3).
Landlords, are you listening? This is not a good look.
MO’ BEAUTY ON CHESTNUT
When we were told “a beauty supply” place was opening on Chestnut Street in the former G Star Raw space, we were just mildly curious until we discovered it will be Blue Mercury (2060 Chestnut Street). Now we’re interested. Earlier this year, they invited us to their debut in Macy’s Union Square, and we were duly impressed (particularly with the swag bag, but we digress).
We’d describe it as a more manageable version of that store on Union Street (which we also love, but sometimes are overwhelmed with choices), but with more personalized service from brand ambassadors. A recent return at another Blue Mercury store was enthusiastically made, no fuss, no muss, no paperwork, putting them at the top of our list, so we’re eager for them to grace our ’hood.
EAT AND GIVE BACK
We love it when businesses give back, so we’re especially excited about this one because it involves eating. Through Nov. 15, Pacific Catch (2027 Chestnut Street) is featuring seven menu items highlighting the flavors of coastal Mexico. For every order of White Seabass Veracruzano, Pacific Catch will donate $1 to the Surfrider Foundation San Francisco, which shares in the restaurant’s desire to protect the coastline. The other six dishes sound pretty delicious, too, but we know you’ll want the seabass so you can feel like you did something good. Available at all six locations.
