Popular Chef Brings Filipino Heritage To New SF Restaurant

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Celebrated local chef Francis Ang, who honed his skills at Gary Danko, Fifth Floor and earned a loyal following for his Pinoy Heritage dining pop-ups, is tapping his Filipino heritage as he opens his new San Francisco restaurant, Abacá.

The brick-and-mortar is set to open in August in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, with an aim to bring diners the "warm hospitality of the Philippines."

Deemed a Zagat "30 Under 30," up-and-coming chef in 2012 and a "San Francisco Chronicle Rising Star" in 2019, Ang has earned a slew of such recognition since graduating from City College’s culinary program and working in kitchens throughout the Bay Area.

Ang's pop-up, Pinoy Heritage, secured his position on the region's dining scene. It began after the chef and his wife, Dian, launched a fundraiser at Fifth Floor (now Dirty Habit) to support devastated communities in the Philippines, following the pair's return to the U.S. after becoming stranded in the country during the massively destructive, 2013 typhoon.

The benefit, which showcased Filipino cuisine, drew raves, and spurred Ang and his wife, along with Chef Danica Aviles, to host the pop-up venture, starring Filipino-Californian flavors and dishes from their childhoods.

For Abacá's menu, Ang takes inspiration from his cultural heritage and Filipino street carts with such dishes as "Sweet Peppers with ToyoMansi," "Chicken Pyanggang with Burnt Coconut and Aromatic Turmeric Sauce," "Pork Belly Tocino Steamed Buns with Black Garlic and Pineapple Kimchi" and "Lola’s Pork Lumpia with Apple Ketchup."

Homemade noodle dishes will include "Scallop Pancit with XO Bagoong, Corn and Summer Beans" and "Smoked Chicken Palabok with Lechon Manok, Legumes and Quail Egg."

Vegetarian options will round-out the menu ("Squash Okoy Fritter with Asparagus, Black Garlic, Pinakurat Vinegar and Herbs"), plus desserts, including Carioca “Rice Donuts” with Strawberry, Passionfruit and Hazelnut Crumble, along with Chef Ang’s savory and sweet takes on "Ensaymadas."

Crafted cocktails will be courtesy of “American Bartender of the Year” Kevin Diedrich, of Pacific Cocktail Haven and Kona’s Street Market, and General Manager Justin Goo. Stand-outs to include the spicy, tropical "Galleon Trade" (Espolon Blanco Tequila, guyabano, chili, citrus, orgeat and bitters) and "King Bird," (bourbon, jackfruit, tamarind, pineapple, citrus and Campari).

Check out the menu here.

No specific date is yet announced for next month's opening of Abacá, inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel at 2700 Jones St. When operating, the restaurant will serve breakfast Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 am, with Panaderia (the pastry case) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., dinner Mondays through Saturdays 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., with bar service only Sundays. Reservations recommended. Weekend brunch to begin later in the summer.

Follow along here on Facebook or here on the eatery's website for updates.

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