UPDATE: A groundbreaking Filipino fine dining experience is set to debut in San Francisco’s Nob Hill this December. Restaurant Naides, the first venture from Michelin-trained chef Patrick Gabon and partner Celine Wuu, will open its doors at 708 Bush Street, promising a unique 11- to 15-course tasting menu that elevates traditional Filipino cuisine.
This significant launch comes as the Bay Area’s dining scene increasingly embraces diverse culinary narratives. Gabon and Wuu aim to transform Filipino flavors using techniques like preservation and fermentation, commonly found in Nordic cuisine. Their approach is not merely about fusion; it’s a reimagining of Filipino staples with high-end flair.
The duo, who previously worked at acclaimed establishments, met at Alexander’s Steakhouse in San Francisco. Gabon honed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, while Wuu led at the three-Michelin-starred Benu. Their culinary journey took them to Restaurant Milka in Slovenia, where they focused on local and foraged ingredients, influencing the innovative menu at Naides.
Expect to savor dishes like a refined version of sinigang—a classic Filipino sour soup featuring barbecue abalone in a clarified broth. Gabon emphasizes that the flavors remain authentically Filipino while incorporating fine dining techniques. “I would say the flavor is more on the Filipino side, and I’m very excited about that dish,” he stated.
Wuu will oversee a robust beverage program that includes organic and biodynamic wines, alongside creative nonalcoholic pairings inspired by Milka’s practices of using kitchen scraps and local ingredients. Her goal is to enhance the dining experience by crafting drinks that complement the intricate flavors of each dish.
Naides joins a burgeoning trend of upscale Filipino dining in the area. Restaurants like Abacá in Fisherman’s Wharf have already garnered attention for their contemporary takes on Filipino cuisine, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. San Francisco boasts the second-largest Filipino population in the U.S., yet fine-dining options have remained scarce, making this opening particularly significant.
The site at 708 Bush Street, formerly home to Sons & Daughters, has an impressive culinary legacy, earning two Michelin stars under chef Harrison Cheney. As Sons & Daughters relocates to a new venue in the Mission District, the timing of Naides’ opening feels fortuitous, signaling a shift in the Nob Hill dining landscape.
In a statement to Eater SF, Gabon expressed his excitement for this new chapter, saying, “We always say it’s going back to our roots—that’s how we think of this restaurant opening.” This sentiment resonates with many chefs today who are committed to honoring their cultural heritage while applying modern culinary skills.
December 2023 is fast approaching, and anticipation is building around Naides. The restaurant has already submitted a liquor license application and is gearing up for a grand reveal. The tasting experience will incorporate a variety of foraged, preserved, and fermented ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining adventure.
As the Bay Area continues to evolve its culinary scene, Naides stands poised to make a significant impact, emphasizing not just Filipino cuisine but the broader narrative of cultural exploration in food. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds!
