UPDATE: A new Filipino fine dining restaurant, Naides, is set to open in Nob Hill, San Francisco, this December 2023, taking over the former Sons & Daughters space. This marks a pivotal moment for Filipino cuisine in the competitive San Francisco restaurant landscape, bringing elevated flavors to the forefront.
Located at 708 Bush Street, Naides will feature an innovative 11- to 15-course tasting menu that reinterprets traditional Filipino dishes through the lens of advanced culinary techniques. Chef Patrick Gabon and partner Celine Wuu are committed to showcasing Filipino flavors while employing preservation and fermentation methods typically associated with Nordic cuisine.
Gabon, who honed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, and Wuu, a former leader at the three-Michelin-starred Benu, both bring a wealth of fine dining experience to their debut venture. Their culinary journey even took them to Restaurant Milka in Slovenia, another two-Michelin-star establishment, where they learned to emphasize local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
Naides aims to deconstruct Filipino classics rather than create flashy fusion dishes. Gabon explained, “We’re rethinking traditional Filipino food,” highlighting a bread course that features pandesal with chicken liver spread, along with a unique take on sinigang that includes barbecue abalone.
Wuu will lead an ambitious beverage program, focusing on sustainable wine producers and exciting nonalcoholic pairings. Their approach to beverages aims to create flavor profiles that complement the food while utilizing hyperlocal ingredients.
As Filipino cuisine gains traction in upscale dining, Naides joins a growing list of fine dining establishments in the Bay Area. With a significant Filipino community in San Francisco, this restaurant responds to a demand for elevated culinary experiences that honor cultural heritage.
The opening comes at a time when the Nob Hill culinary scene is evolving. The former Sons & Daughters space, known for its New Nordic tasting menus, has left a legacy that Gabon and Wuu are eager to build upon. “Now I really want to do nontraditional Filipino food,” Gabon stated, emphasizing the importance of returning to his roots.
As the opening date approaches, Gabon and Wuu have submitted a liquor license application, signaling their readiness to bring this unique dining experience to life. The anticipation around Naides is palpable, and the restaurant promises to be a significant player in the Bay Area’s dining scene.
Stay tuned for more updates as more details about the menu and opening festivities unfold. This is a culinary journey you won’t want to miss!
