Mr. Bauer says the food at Piccino (Minnesota and 22nd) remains “at a high level” under newly installed chef Jacob Town, formerly of Michael Mina and Spruce. On a recent update visit he found that nothing has wavered since Rachel Silcocks absconded to Range, and he has some “beautifully executed ricotta gnudi” with Brussels sprouts, walnuts, and chervil, as well some stellar salads, and the meatballs which continue to “exceed expectations.” Also, he remains a fan of the pizza crust, which has “a crisp exterior and a pleasantly chewy interior and doesn’t wilt when you pick it up.” The updated verdict: three stars. [Chron]
Anna Roth is the first to submit her thoughts on the Lower Haight’s newest eating spot, Rickybobby (Haight and Webster), named for Will Farrell’s character in Talladega Nights. Not surprisingly, she says it’s a “great place for stoners” with food that “seems made for the munchies.” She raves that the beef-and-bacon burger, brought over from the chefs’ former menu at Broken Record with ground bacon mixed into the patty and topped with American cheese, is “one of the best burgers I have ever eaten.” She also likes the generous helping of lobster in the lobster mac-and-cheese, and the popular sweet potatertots, but she says you can skip the crawshrimp grits. [SF Weekly]
And last but not least, Virginia Miller gives us the first capsule review of Ramen Shop in Rockridge, which just opened two weeks ago. She says they are serving “quality ramen,” and says the shoyu version has “bright dimension,” and the miso ramen is “particularly flavorful” with the addition of char siu pork. She gives high marks to the cocktails, too, and says that the best dish on the menu, by far, is the wild nettle fried rice with Monterey Bay squid and Llano Seco pork. [SFBG]
