Zeitgeist wins fight against developers

Good news for fans of Zeitgeist’s sunny patio, as the developer whose building was threatening it with shade has agreed to reduce the ceiling height for the development's ground floor retail from 15 feet to ten feet. The new plan for the 28 unit housing project was approved by the Planning Commission 6-1, reports Mission Local. It’s a big win for the bar, which relies on heavy patio traffic to make its money.

Trader Joe’s is slinging snacks right this very moment

In exciting grocery store news, Trader Joe’s has opened its SoMa location at Fourth and Market as of yesterday (February 16). This store is pretty much like all the others in the TJ’s stable, but it does have some SF-focused murals within. It’s now open daily from 8 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Novela’s got a new menu, courtesy of Cadence’s Joey Elenterio

Following the closure of Cadence, opening chef Joey Elenterio has been working on his consulting company French Fries and Caviar. Now he’s launched a menu of Spanish-influenced bar food like manchego croquettes, and a burger with smoked gouda, pickled onions, and pimenton spread. Chef Freddy Pacheco will execute the menu, which will change seasonally. Check out the full menu below.

Rancho Gordo will close its Ferry Building outpost in March

Dont worry: though Steve Sando is closing his retail shop in the Ferry Building after four years, the business is thriving. That means he will expand his Napa showroom, and continue to sell his delicious beans online and through wholesale accounts. Sando told Inside Scoop that though it’d been a great experiment, it was time to move on. No word yet on what will replace it.

British wine critic Jancis Robinson will leave UC Davis her entire collection of papers

The author will leave personal papers, including notes 275 travel notebooks, correspondence with other notable wine writers like Robert Parker, photos, and published works to UC Davis. Robinson has been greatly influential in the world of wine, as well as a trail blazer for trade and non-industry wine drinkers alike. Head over the Chron for wine writer Esther Mobley’s full story on Robinson’s impact.