San Francisco – In a tasty triumph for the Sunset District, chef John Lindsey of the Rusty Ladle was crowned the winner of the Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest’s best‑chowder competition last month. The award, a literal 10‑inch bread crown, was presented after Lindsey’s creamy creation beat longtime favorites such as Sotto Mare and Boudin.
“I feel like I just woke up from a dream,” Lindsey posted on Instagram, expressing his delight at the recognition. He entered the contest simply because he wanted to share his chowder with the Wharf’s enthusiastic crowd. “Let’s do this,” he wrote, adding that the event would let him meet fellow chowder lovers and introduce them to the Rusty Ladle’s menu.
Lindsey, who grew up a few blocks from the Wharf and now lives with his partner Kristin, recalled watching the seals and grabbing breakfast at the Eagle Café during his earlier days at the San Francisco Art Institute. “I love the Wharf! It is an important part of San Francisco. Tourism helps all businesses top to bottom,” he said.
New Japanese‑Curry Spots on the Horizon
At the same time, the Bay Area Japanese‑curry chain Nippon Curry is preparing to open two new locations in San Francisco. The first will sit in the Sunset, and the second will straddle the border of North Beach and Chinatown. The chain, known for its pork katsu and karaage curry, currently operates in the Marina, Berkeley and San Jose.
Nippon Curry’s menu relies on an imported sauce from award‑winning Hinoya Curry in Japan, for which the company holds the exclusive U.S. license to use the recipe. The expansion plan, reported by the San Francisco Business Times, will be executed through either franchise agreements or corporate‑owned stores.
Sunset Wave Block‑Party Initiative
Adding to the neighborhood’s buzz, a group of Sunset residents is inviting neighbors to host small gatherings on March 20, 2027, under the banner “Sunset Wave.” Organizers Josh Nesbit and Sandi Lam Harder, founders of the Sunset Social Club, envision potlucks, coffee and donut stands, tea on stoops, or even garage card games. Events can take place in driveways, parklets or street corners, and organizers promise rain‑or‑fog plans that include indoor garage setups.
“The goal is a Sunset where everyone knows someone on every block,” the organizers said. They encourage residents to tailor the size and style of their gatherings to fit their block’s character.
Local Business Highlights
Earlier this month, Bare Bones, a rotisserie chicken spot run by a group of preschool‑dad entrepreneurs, opened on Taraval Street. The storefront features bold purple and pink signage hand‑painted by artist Jeff Canham. The menu offers rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, beer‑battered cauliflower for vegetarians, a green apple and fennel salad, and a slow‑roasted pork belly porchetta with herbs and garlic.
These developments underscore a vibrant culinary scene in the Sunset, where longtime establishments like the Rusty Ladle continue to earn accolades while new concepts such as Nippon Curry and Bare Bones bring fresh flavors and job opportunities to the neighborhood.
Residents are encouraged to support local eateries, attend the upcoming Sunset Wave gatherings, and enjoy the diverse food options that make the Sunset a distinctive part of San Francisco’s cultural tapestry.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
