BREAKING: Chef Gizela Ho, former chef de cuisine at Rich Table, is officially launching her own restaurant, Good Morning 96, in San Francisco. This exciting new venture promises to be a casual, produce-forward dining experience that reflects Ho’s diverse culinary heritage.
Set to open soon, Good Morning 96 will emphasize shareable dishes inspired by Ho’s childhood in Guam, her family roots in Hong Kong, and her extensive culinary training across Northern California. As the San Francisco dining scene shifts towards smaller, chef-driven concepts, Ho’s new restaurant is poised to become a must-visit destination.
Ho’s journey to this moment is remarkable. After starting her education in biochemistry at UC Davis, she pivoted to the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. She began her culinary career at Rich Table in 2014, later enhancing her skills in Michelin-starred kitchens in Hong Kong before returning to San Francisco in 2017. During her tenure at Rich Table, she played a crucial role in refining the restaurant’s market-driven, seasonal style, earning recognition from the Michelin Guide.
At Good Morning 96, Ho is crafting a dynamic menu that refuses to be boxed into a single culinary category. Instead, she is focusing on a variety of “snacky” dishes with only two rotating entrees that will change with the seasons. Early reports hint at exciting offerings like a cold glass noodle salad with spicy shiso vinaigrette, grilled Monterey squid, and a seasonal pizookie for dessert.
The name Good Morning 96 holds personal significance for Ho, referencing a popular kitchen-towel brand from Hong Kong, Guam’s motto, and the year her grandfather launched a storefront. This blend of cultural references underscores Ho’s vision for a restaurant that celebrates her multifaceted background.
This launch aligns with a growing trend in San Francisco, where chefs from established kitchens are increasingly venturing into smaller, more personal restaurant concepts. Notably, Rich Table has already inspired offshoots like RT Rotisserie, highlighting the shift towards personalized dining experiences.
Currently, Ho is in the process of securing a physical location for Good Morning 96, and while an official opening timeline has yet to be announced, the excitement continues to build. As details unfold and a venue is finalized, the culinary community will be watching closely.
With a focus on personal stories and seasonal ingredients, Good Morning 96 is set to make waves in San Francisco’s restaurant landscape. Keep an eye on this developing story as Chef Gizela Ho brings her unique vision to life. Share this news with fellow food enthusiasts and stay tuned for more updates on this promising new dining experience!
