Sugarfina Coming to Santana Row

Champagne gummy bears? Twenty-four-karat gold marshmallows? Absinthe chocolate cordials?

Nope, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill candies.

Sugarfina, an upscale candy shop out of Southern California, is set to open in San Jose’s Santana Row in August with those goodies and a whole lot more.

Founders Rosie O’Neill and Josh Resnick set about to create a decidedly adult candy store. That means combing the world for exquisite sweets that appeal to a more sophisticated adult palate rather than a child’s super sugary cravings.

The 883-square-foot shop will be located next to Donald J. Pliner.

Try to resist such temptations as matcha green caramels, strawberry milkshake malt balls, and chocolate bacon toffee.

What’s more, Sugarfina also just opened two San Francisco locations: 272 Sutter St. and 1837 Union St.

Lobster ME Opening This Summer in San Francisco

In the Bay Area, we’re all about the local Dungeness crab.

But Maine’s Lobster ME is betting we’ll be swayed by lobster, lobster and more lobster.

With locations already in Maryland and Las Vegas, Lobster ME is headed to the Westfield San Francisco Centre this summer.

The restaurant will open in the food court and offer up everything from Original Maine Lobster Rolls to Cajun Lobster Rolls to Lobster Mac & Cheese to The Lobsicle (a lobster tail on a stick, either grilled or batter-fried).

For those not partial to that crustacean, you’ll also find shrimp tacos, fish & chips, and clam chowder.

The Great Chef-Switcheroo For One Night

If you dine at Manresa in Los Gatos on July 9, Chef-Owner David Kinch will not be cooking your food that night.

Instead, it will be a guest chef — but you won’t know that person’s identity until after the meal is finished.

It’s all part of “The Grand Gelanzi! Shuffle!,” a global event in which the chefs of 37 restaurants around the world will switch places to cook incognito until the last spoonful and crumb are enjoyed.

Among the other chefs involved are: Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco; Sean Brock of McCrady’s in Charleston; Rene Redzepi of Noma in Denmark; and Magnus Nilsson of Faviken in Sweden.

To see the full list of participating chefs/restaurants and to purchase tickets, click here.

Gelanzi! Shuffle was created to push the boundaries with collaborations by artists, scientists and producers.

Sabio on Main To Open Its Doors in Pleasanton

After four years at San Francisco Bluestem Brasserie, look for Chef Francis Hogan to open Sabio on Main in downtown Pleasanton in August.

Hogan aims to bring artisan fare in an upscale, contemporary space. Skilled in whole animal butchery, charcuterie making, and cheese mongering, Hogan also is a certified sommelier who has traveled throughout Europe.

His menu will feature eclectic small plates, an extensive wine program and artisan cocktails. More than half the menu will focus on the Iberian Peninsula.

His successor at Bluestem Brasserie is none other than Jeff Banker, formerly of San Francisco’s Baker & Banker.