Here’s an interesting twist: One of the former partners in Spork (1058 Valencia Street), which closed on December 23 because the building is slated for demolition, entered into some last-minute negotiations with the landlord to allow him to continue to operate a restaurant in the space for an indefinite period of time. The concept, which launches tonight as the Scoop reports, is Rice Broker, a straightforward Asian rice-bowl place with just a few options — the most expensive being a sashimi bowl for $14.75. Check out the opening menu below.
As for how long Rice Broker’s going to stick around, that depends on the construction schedule for the condo tower that’s slated to go in on the property. Owner Neil Jorgensen — who along with chef Bruce Binn owns Thermidor too — says it could be anywhere from three months to a year.
RICE BROKER
Snacks- $3:
PICKLED DAIKON AND CARROT
SWEET LEMONGRASS PEANUTS
SOY BEANS, DANDELION, CANE VINEGAR
RICE BOWLS:
PORK AND GINGER MEATBALLS 10.75
slow-cooked, deep-flavored rice porridge, bok choy, black sesame
CRISPY CHICKEN 11.50
panko-breaded chicken breast, shaved brussels sprouts, korean-style bbq sauce
TOFU WITH EGGPLANT 9.50
japanese eggplant, black vinegar, dark soy, cashews
SASHIMI BOWL 14.75
sushi-grade ahi tuna, sesame-chili oil, peanuts, mint, seasoned sushi rice
MORE BOWLS COMING SOON!
ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE TO GO.
~CASH ONLY~
Spork will be reborn as Rice Broker, a temporary rice bowl joint [Scoop]
Earlier: After Five Years, Spork in the Mission to Close