SF Eats: Chocolate shop nears Castro debut, Rhea's Deli launches bibimbap pop-up, more

Castro, Mission

Here's the latest in SF food news. In this edition: a "whimsical" chocolate brand prepares to debut its Castro shop, a pizzeria relocates from Divisadero to the Lower Haight, and a Korean deli launches a weekend bibimbap pop-up.

Openings

Castro

Kokak Chocolates (3901 18th St.)

Kokak Chocolates is nearing its debut in the former Cafe ÚB space at 18th and Sanchez streets.

As we reported in August, the shop is owned by chocolatier Carol Gancia, who's also the founder of Burlingame-based video production company Ripplemakers, Inc.

Intended to be a "whimsical and fun" brand, Kokak's chocolates are shaped like tree leaves and frogs. ("Kokak" is the Tagalog equivalent of "ribbit.") They come in flavors like mango milk chocolate, passion fruit milk chocolate, and matcha white chocolate, with customizable design options for weddings or corporate events.

In addition to chocolate, the new storefront will offer cafe fare like sandwiches, salads, baked goods and espresso drinks.

While Gancia did not respond to a request for comment, Kokak's Instagram page says it will open in "a few weeks." Workers are currently painting, doing electrical work and finishing up the shop's exterior. We'll keep you posted on its official opening day.

Lower Haight

Seniore's Pizza (456 Haight St.)

Last month, Seniore's Pizza closed its Divisadero location (559 Divisadero St.) after four years in business. While the family-owned pizzeria still has locations in SoMa (320 11th St.) and Parkside (2415 19th Ave.), family member James Jaber said that it had also lined up a new location near the shuttered one.

At the time, Jaber declined to disclose the new location, but tipster Kiah J. says Seniore's will be moving into former Volare Pizza space in the Lower Haight — and Google Maps confirms it.

The Jabers couldn't be reached to discuss when the new Seniore's will open, but we'll keep you posted. In the meantime, customers can visit the two other SF pizzerias, or locations in San Bruno, San Mateo, Berkeley and Santa Clara.

Updates

Mission

Rhea's Deli & Market (800 Valencia St.)

After closing its more Korean-food-centric spinoff, Rhea's Cafe, in 2018, Valencia Street's Rhea’s Deli & Market returned to its original mission of serving deli sandwiches.

But with no Korean spots in its corner of the Mission, customers have been asking for more of the cuisine, says owner James Choi.

So Rhea's is switching things up on weekend nights with a bibimbap pop-up. For the unacquainted, bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl topped with seasoned and pickled vegetables and a fried egg; Rhea's runs $9, with the option to add chicken or bulgogi (marinated beef) for $1.50 and $2.50 extra, respectively.

Those seeking a more unusual iteration can try the kimcheebap, with kimchi, mozzarella and Spam, or the currybap, with shrimp and a fried egg. The menu is rounded out by Rhea's popular Korean steak sandwich, along with a rotating sandwich of the week.

The pop-up (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 – 9 p.m.) will continue through this weekend and the next, according to Rhea's manager. After that, Choi will evaluate whether or not to keep it going.

If you're looking to sample the kimcheebap, be sure to get there early — the manager says it's been the pop-up's most popular item.

Thanks to tipster Kiah J.! If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email tips@hoodline.com. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit