Fall is here and we love it!

IT'S OFFICIALLY FALL, AND WITH THE SEASON CHANGE SO DOES OUR MENU. BEING A RESTAURANT THAT IS SO CONNECTED TO SUSTAINABILITY AND SEASONALITY, THE SEASON CHANGING IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PARTS - THE NEW DISHES ARE A TRUE REFLECTION OF WHAT IS FRESH AND AVAILABLE THIS WEEK, EVEN TODAY; AND WHAT IS INSPIRING OUR CHEFS TO CREATE DISHES THAT CELEBRATE JUST THAT. WELCOME FALL.

Some of the newest menu additions, decorations and fun we're having with the new season!

Our General Manager Rich Troiani, everyone!

It has been a LONG time, but we thought with the new season, we would introduce our General Manager Rich Troiani. Like many of our team, Rich is a seasoned veteran of the restaurant game and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that can not be matched. Per the usual, I asked him some questions and let him go with it. So here we have Rich.......

Q: Where are you from?

A: Born here in San Francisco, grew up in Fresno, went to San Francisco State; and have lived in all the great cities of the West Coast.

Q: How'd you get into restaurants? What was the attraction?

A: I grew up in restaurants. My dad was a chef and owner his entire career. He owned a restaurant before I was born on Chestnut street in the 50's (O Sole Mio). It was a family affair - my mom and both my grandfathers were involved. The restaurant was family, home, work and pride..... not much has changed in that regard and that is a good thing. I love everything about restaurants - the sounds, the people, the products, the smells, honor in service, ceremony and celebration.

Q: How long have you been at Waterbar? 

A: A little more than two years, it has gone by fast. Our team does a great job of continuously improving. I have the best office in San Francisco - the dining room at Waterbar.

Q: What's been the biggest challenge doing what you do?

A: I relish in the daily challenge of seeing how well we as a group can create great experiences for our valued guests. It is always fresh, different and challenging - which makes it so rewarding. It is our goal to demonstrate our virtues in how we operate our business.

Q: What's your best memory here?

A: We are fortunate to have so many positives here at Waterbar and in San Francisco. Our staff, our guests, our community involvement and give backs, amazing oysters, OysterFest, chefs that cook in the moment, great wines from around the world that create magical pairings..... I think my favorites are guests having a special evening that they will long remember. We know we have done our job when we receive a hug of thanks. Plus, the sunsets are fantastic!

Q: What are you up to lately?

A: Planning to do some Fall travel - Seattle to make some wine with my old friend Chris Sparkman (I will get some grapes from Pat Kuleto next year to make a couple of barrels as well); NYC for the big Wine Spectator wine tasting, London, and San Diego for some family time.

Q: Plans for the future?

A: Our business is ever changing and challenging. How do I help position Waterbar to garnish continued success and recognition? Enjoy what we do, we are very fortunate to have the team that we have. Create a great environment for our guests and staff. We want Waterbar to be known as a very special work experience for our staff. Let's just see how great our team can be.....

Q: What's a food you're looking forward to working with this upcoming season? Fall is here and brings some of the best combination of rich flavors and produce. Love persimmons, quince, pomegranate and fall squash. With wine, it is a great time of the year for Barbaresco, Barbera and Brunello from Italy! Salute!

Welcome Glide to Waterbar's Oyster Give Back Family

Last year around this time we thought it would be a fantastic idea to partner with like minded organizations and people throughout our community. We decided the Oyster Give Back Campaign would be the perfect platform to support those organizations by taking .05¢ of each oyster sold and donating to the organization of our choice each quarter. 

We have raised over $40,000 so far, and are looking forward to welcoming the newest Oyster Give Back beneficiary, Glide. With roots as deep as the Bay itself, Glide has been a huge supporter of San Francisco and it's residents since its conception in 1929. It's mission has evolved from church organization to overall support through wellness, growth and leadership. We could not be prouder to welcome them. 

Sustainable Seafood Week!

Although everyday we practice sustainability, this week in particular, is a way to bring it to the national stage. This week, September 13th-20th, is Sustainable Seafood Week National here in San Francisco. Although it is being celebrated throughout the coming weeks in Washington D.C., New York and Seattle, Washington - this week is our week and we're very excited.

We are participating in the gala event this Wednesday, tomorrow the 16th at 6:30 to 10pm. Come aboard for an interactive sustainable seafood journey on the historical Ferry Boat Eureka, docked in the San Francisco Bay. We will be serving a Soy Smoked Cod, Honey Crisp apples, miso brown butter aÏoli, togarashi tuile and shiso. All ticket sales benefit the Future of Fish non-profit - looking to end over fishing and create new ideas for ocean conservation combining entrepreneurship, industry players and investors looking to create business solutions for ocean problems. 

Dinner on the Patio please!

 Enjoy dinner and drinks while soaking in the Bay Bridge, the Bay itself and the wonder of San Francisco at night. With the weather as fantastic as it has been, make sure and take advantage- before you know it the holidays will be here and a late night dinner on the patio will be nothing but a dream....

With heaters and complimentary blankets, join us any night of the week! 

Iron Horse and OysterFest2015

We're pleased to have Joy Sterling of Iron Horse back with us again for OysterFest 2015!  

We paired with her and Iron Horse for Ocean's Day, benefiting the National Geographic Ocean's Fund and this event is no different. We are like minded in knowing and understanding the importance of our oceans and wildlife. OysterFest is another event for us to join forces and raise money for yet another awesome cause, the Surfrider Foundation. 

#oysterfest2015 @ironhorsevineyards @waterbarsf #oysterfest #waterbar

More Masumoto Memories

While the season has been over on the Masumoto Farm for officially a week, here at Waterbar peaches and nectarines are in full swing- salads, appetizers, desserts....

We've featured the adventure before, but this final version is a nice look into the team and people that make the Masumoto/Waterbar relationship so grand.

Chef Angela showing some enthusiasm!

While the first group didn't get much on the peach side, Eric Hyman and our second fleet picked what was ripe and what the trees had left to offer. More nectarines of course- our triplets were beasts- and peaches that finally cooperated. Eric says it best....

Below we have the Masumoto Family joining us for lunch this last Thursday, along with some more pics from the farm.

Hartford Court and OysterFest 2015

Today we are welcoming Hartford Court to OysterFest 2015!

Benefiting the Surfrider Foundation, what better way to raise money than enjoy a glass of wine?!

#oysterfest2015 @hartfordfamilywines #oysterfest #waterbarsf @waterbarsf

Crocker&Starr and OysterFest 2015

Up next we are happy to welcome, Crocker & Starr!

We weren't kidding! This year we're bringing in some amazing wines....Thanks for joining the party!

#oysterfest2015 @waterbarsf #oysterfest @crockerstarr #waterbar

Flowers Winery and OysterFest 2015

You can never have too much wine! Welcome Flowers Winery to OysterFest 2015!

With just weeks to go until OysterFest, we will be introducing A TON of wineries. Flowers is yet another beautiful winery that will be gracing us with their presence this year. Cheers to that! #oysterfest2015 @waterbarsf #oysterfest @flowerswinery #waterbar

Speakeasy and OysterFest 2015

We like choices.... beer or wine?

Waterbar has an appreciation for beer, especially local craft beer. We are happy to welcome Speakeasy to this year's OysterFest. Oysters and beer are a great combination too!!!!  

Chappellet and OysterFest 2015

More wine please.....

Welcome Chappellet to the party! We have a ton of wineries joining us this year for OysterFest. Chappellet is located just outside of beautiful St. Helena and we're glad they're making the trek to San Francisco.  #oysterfest #waterbarsf #chappellet #oysterfest2015 #waterbar