URGENT UPDATE: A new culinary chapter is unfolding in San Francisco as chef Patrick Gabon and partner Celine Wuu prepare to launch Naides, a Filipino fine dining restaurant, in the former Sons & Daughters space. Set to open in December 2023 at 708 Bush Street, this innovative venture promises to elevate traditional Filipino cuisine through a modern fine-dining lens.
This moment is a significant leap for Filipino gastronomy in a city renowned for its competitive dining scene. Naides will feature an extraordinary 11- to 15-course tasting menu that reinterprets classic Filipino dishes using advanced techniques like fermentation and preservation, often associated with Nordic cuisine.
Gabon, who honed his skills at the two-Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, emphasizes a fresh approach to Filipino flavors, steering away from the idea of flashy fusion. “We’re deconstructing and reinterpreting traditional dishes,” Gabon explained, highlighting a bread course with pandesal nuances served alongside chicken liver spread and pickled green papaya. The culinary duo’s aim is to create authentic representations of Filipino dishes that resonate with their fine-dining training.
Wuu, who previously worked at the esteemed three-Michelin-starred Benu, will oversee the restaurant’s beverage program, focusing on organic and sustainable pairings. Notably, she is excited about crafting nonalcoholic drinks that complement the tasting menu while utilizing hyperlocal ingredients.
Naides joins a growing movement of upscale Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area. Similar to Abacá, which has garnered Michelin recognition, Naides aims to cater to the city’s vibrant Filipino community, the second-largest in the U.S. This restaurant represents not just a culinary venture but a cultural celebration, as Gabon reflects on his roots and the flavors that have shaped his culinary journey.
The space at 708 Bush Street has a rich culinary history, having hosted Sons & Daughters, which earned acclaim for its New Nordic-inspired menus. With this new opening, the Nob Hill dining scene is set to undergo a transformation. Gabon states, “Now I really want to do nontraditional Filipino food,” showcasing a desire to merge classic techniques with the essence of his heritage.
As anticipation builds for Naides, the restaurant has submitted its liquor license application and is finalizing preparations for a grand opening. Food lovers and those eager to experience an innovative take on Filipino cuisine should mark their calendars for December.
This exciting launch is not just about dining; it’s about creating a narrative around Filipino culinary identity, making it a must-watch event in San Francisco’s evolving food landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the opening date approaches, and prepare to indulge in an unforgettable tasting experience that promises to celebrate and elevate Filipino cuisine like never before.
