Richmond District Russian Restaurant Red Tavern Remodels for the Future | Eater SF

"After his mother Irina died suddenly in 2017, Igor Litvak took responsibility for her beloved restaurant at 2229 Clement Street, one of just a handful of San Francisco spots serving traditional Russian food. He kept the business open while partner Dina Schpak and the existing staff maintained the cuisine, reassured concerned customers, and recently invested in a major makeover—new logo, paint, tables, chairs, light fixtures, and awnings—declaring the restaurant "reopened" earlier this month. The food remains a highlight: borscht; pelmeni stuffed with chicken and veal; and a signature beef stroganoff served in a puff pastry with kasha, especially good with Georgian wines or dark Russian stouts and porters. Irina’s paintings now adorn the walls and the restaurant has established a social media presence to help uphold her legacy; it is open daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Caleb Pershan