URGENT UPDATE: A new culinary venture is set to transform San Francisco’s dining scene as Michelin-trained chef Patrick Gabon and partner Celine Wuu announce the opening of their Filipino fine dining restaurant Naides in December 2023. Located at 708 Bush Street in Nob Hill, this restaurant will feature an innovative 11- to 15-course tasting menu that elevates traditional Filipino flavors.
This exciting launch marks a pivotal moment for Filipino cuisine in a city renowned for its diverse gastronomic landscape. The couple aims to reimagine beloved Filipino dishes through advanced preservation and fermentation techniques typically associated with Nordic cuisine. Gabon, who has honed his craft in prestigious kitchens, emphasizes that Naides is not about flashy fusion but rather a refined approach to authentic Filipino culinary traditions.
The menu will include standout dishes such as Gabon’s take on classic sinigang, featuring barbecue abalone in a clarified broth, and a unique bread course with pandesal served alongside chicken liver spread and atchara. “This dish speaks to what we’re trying to achieve,” Gabon stated, highlighting the essence of their culinary philosophy.
Wuu will manage the restaurant’s beverage program, focusing on organic and sustainable wine pairings, as well as innovative nonalcoholic options crafted from local and often overlooked ingredients. This commitment to sustainability aligns with their vision of providing an immersive dining experience that celebrates Filipino heritage.
Naides joins a growing wave of upscale Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area, following in the footsteps of Abacá, which has gained acclaim for its modern Filipino-Californian cuisine. San Francisco boasts the second-largest Filipino population in the United States, making the launch of Naides particularly poignant for the community.
The restaurant takes over the space of the former Sons & Daughters, previously a two-Michelin-starred establishment known for its New Nordic-inspired dishes. Gabon reflects on his culinary journey, stating, “We always say it’s going back to our roots—that’s how we think of this restaurant opening.”
As the city awaits the grand opening, Naides is already creating buzz in the culinary community. For those eager to experience this fresh take on Filipino cuisine, keep an eye out for further announcements regarding reservations and the final menu.
Next Steps: Gabon and Wuu have submitted a liquor license application and plan to finalize preparations for a launch by the end of December. Stay tuned for more updates as the opening date approaches.
This restaurant not only represents a personal milestone for Gabon and Wuu but also signifies a broader trend of chefs utilizing their fine-dining expertise to honor and elevate their cultural roots. As anticipation builds, Naides is poised to become a must-visit destination for food lovers and advocates of Filipino cuisine.
