BREAKING: Chef Gizela Ho has just announced the launch of her new restaurant, Good Morning 96, in San Francisco. After four successful years as chef de cuisine at Rich Table, Ho is embarking on an exciting solo venture that promises to revolutionize the local dining scene with a casual, produce-forward menu.
This new project is poised to capture the essence of Ho’s diverse culinary journey, drawing on her roots in Guam and Hong Kong, along with her experiences cooking across Northern California. The restaurant aims to foster a communal dining atmosphere, emphasizing shared dishes that reflect her unique background.
Ho’s culinary path is as colorful as her new menu concept. Initially a biochemistry major at UC Davis, she pivoted to the culinary arts, graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. Her culinary career began with a stint at Rich Table in 2014, and she has since honed her skills in Michelin-starred kitchens in Hong Kong. After returning to San Francisco in 2017, Ho quickly ascended to the role of chef de cuisine, where she refined Rich Table’s seasonal, market-driven style.
While specific details about the menu are still developing, early reports suggest that Good Morning 96 will not be confined to a single cuisine. Instead, it will feature a variety of “snacky” options alongside two rotating entrees. Anticipated dishes include a cold glass noodle salad with a spicy shiso vinaigrette, grilled Monterey squid, and a seasonal pizookie for dessert, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The name “Good Morning 96” pays homage to a Hong Kong kitchen towel brand, Guam’s motto, and the year Ho’s grandfather opened a storefront. This personal touch reflects a broader trend in San Francisco’s dining scene, where chefs from renowned establishments are creating smaller, more intimate restaurants that tell their own stories.
Currently, Ho is in search of a brick-and-mortar location for Good Morning 96 and has not yet announced an opening timeline. As she navigates lease negotiations and team assembly, details are expected to evolve.
The emergence of Good Morning 96 aligns with a growing wave of chef-driven concepts in San Francisco, which are increasingly focused on personal narratives and seasonal ingredients. With the city’s dining landscape shifting towards more intimate, personality-driven venues, Ho’s new restaurant is one to watch.
As this story develops, food enthusiasts and supporters of local culinary talent are eager to see where Ho’s journey leads, both in securing a location and finalizing her menu. For now, the anticipation around Good Morning 96 is palpable, promising an exciting new addition to San Francisco’s vibrant restaurant scene.
