UPDATE: A new era for Filipino fine dining begins this December as Restaurant Naides opens its doors in the former Sons & Daughters space located at 708 Bush Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco. This highly anticipated restaurant, led by Michelin-trained chef Patrick Gabon and partner Celine Wuu, will feature an innovative 11- to 15-course tasting menu that reinterprets traditional Filipino flavors through advanced culinary techniques.
This launch marks a pivotal moment for the underrepresented Filipino cuisine in the competitive San Francisco restaurant scene. Gabon and Wuu aim to elevate Filipino dishes using preservation and fermentation methods, inspired by their experiences in renowned kitchens.
Gabon, who honed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, emphasizes that Naides will not be about flashy fusion but rather a thoughtful deconstruction of Filipino classics. One standout dish includes a unique version of sinigang, featuring barbecue abalone in a rich broth made with dry-aged beef stock, showcasing the depth of Filipino flavors.
Wuu, who previously worked at three-Michelin-starred Benu, will curate an ambitious beverage program that emphasizes organic, sustainable, and biodynamic wines. She is particularly excited about innovative nonalcoholic pairings that will draw on local ingredients and culinary scraps, ensuring a holistic dining experience that complements the tasting menu.
As the restaurant industry shifts, Naides joins a growing group of upscale Filipino establishments in the Bay Area, including the acclaimed Abacá. San Francisco boasts the second-largest Filipino population in the U.S., making this fine-dining venture not only a culinary milestone but also a significant cultural statement.
The timing of this opening is crucial. Gabon expressed his desire to explore nontraditional Filipino food, stating, “We always say it’s going back to our roots—that’s how we think of this restaurant opening.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend among chefs who seek to enhance their cultural cuisines while maintaining their authenticity.
Restaurant Naides is set to officially open by the end of December 2023. Co-owners Gabon and Wuu have already submitted a liquor license application, indicating their readiness to launch. As anticipation builds, the culinary community watches closely, eager to see how this innovative approach to Filipino cuisine unfolds in San Francisco’s dynamic dining landscape.
This is a developing story—stay tuned for more updates as the opening date approaches!
