Big Openings: Kin Khao, Ichi Sushi + Ni Bar, Hopwater Distribution, Plus James Beard Semifinalists and More!

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Welcome to Eater Tastings, where Eater SF editor Allie Pape shares the best restaurant and bar news of the week.

UNION SQUARE—After weeks of quiet, the big winter openings finally started picking up this week. Kin Khao, the new Thai spot from O.G. food blogger Pim Techamuanvivit, is sure to be on every food lover's radar, thanks to its mega-authentic food, Bon Vivants cocktails, and cool vibe. It opens tonight.

BAY AREA—Another event worth celebrating: the James Beard Awards semifinalist lineup, which was announced this week. More than 30 Bay Area chefs, restaurants, and beverage pros were nominated.

BERNAL HEIGHTS—Ichi Sushi is back, bigger, and better in its new location, Ichi Sushi + Ni Bar. Look around the cool space (with a rad mural) and check out their brand-new lineup of izakaya dishes.

NOB HILL—SF Beer Week wrapped up on Sunday, but there's a new occasion worth celebrating for beer geeks: the opening of Hopwater Distribution, with 30 taps of killer California craft brews and bar bites.

INNER RICHMOND—The Food Network's Mystery Diners gave Chapeau's staff more than it bargained for when it caught them slipping up big-time on hidden camera.

BERNAL HEIGHTS—Hillside Supper Club is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant—its neighbors even helped build it, pro bono. We talked to its chef-owners about their first year in business and their aspirations for another 20 to come.

MARIN—Sir & Star at the Olema got a moment in the spotlight as one of GQ's 25 Best New Restaurants of 2013.

TENDERLOIN—Fujiyoshi, a ramen pop-up from a Japanese chef, is in action as we speak at the Tenderloin's Kyu Sushi, with three types of slurpable noodle soup.

SAN LEANDRO—Get ready, East Bay: 21st Amendment is headed your way with an enormous new brewery, taproom, and restaurant.