Belga: Replacing des Amis, Making a Name for Itself

So, 10 days in, we finally got to Belga. And in the words of one guy in the numerous groups of Cow Holla guys who came in and out around the Friday happy hour, "This is the place, huh?"

Yes, it is. Three drinks in, our group regrouped and tried to think of a next logical stop for our evening. We decided we didn't want to leave. 

Ryan Murphy's cocktails are delicious, and the frites, charcuterie and Belgian fish balls really hit the spot. 

The vibe: Super friendly with lots if low-drama eye candy of all flavors. 

Pregnant Workout Space Lotus to Open on Union

Well, here's one Cow Hollow workout space spinsters can skip:

It appears to be a gym exclusively for moms-to-be who don't feel like pre-natal yoga is challenging enough. Good thing it's right nextdoor to Roam burgers (and just down Union from the soon-to-open candy emporium Superfine). 

Restaurant Report: Plate on Pierce, Glaze Donuts & Hime Is No More

Lots of neighborhood food action to report, and though most of it's exciting, not all of it is constructive.

First, the sad news: The freestanding building on Lombard & Pierce that once housed the celebrated, innovative Japanese restaurant Hime is now a pile of rubble. 

What will go up in its place, in between a former gas station and a motel? If the lot were in the Mission, we'd guess expensive housing, obvi. But since it's northside, who knows?

Around the corner, however, the reverse is true: From the rubble of a snobby, size-ist clothing store, a welcoming eatery promising healthy comfort food is opening today. 

2000 Union Update: Belga to Open May 12

The highly pedigreed restaurant replacing Des Amis on Union is a week away from launching.