Side Dish

Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Marc Valiani has done all he can to turn Elroy's around; now it's time for him to get on with his own project. He and partner Gary Kurtz, whom you may know from Le Colonial and Moose's, just scored the old Essex Club's (aka Ernie's) liquor license in open auction. Seems no one from the historical Montgomery Street site wanted to hang onto this valuable asset, so the boys scooped it up and are taking it over the hill. They're settling their shop into that nook right between the Washbag and the Pagoda Theater. Listen for the cork-popping this New Year's Eve.

More Clever Waiter Tricks
While doing double duty as bartender at Scala's Bistro and server at Eos, David McNees has more on his mind than where he's left his wine key. David performs with Poor Boys Productions, a troupe comprised mainly of service workers, and auditions for the usual stuff that comes through town. He recently landed a juicy role in the-show-San-Francisco-is-most-proud-of -- our very own Nash Bridges. McNees plays Anthony, a bad guy who's wrongly accused of a crime. Teflon Don has to figger out who the real culprit is. Check it out this Friday.

From What I Recall ...
Gordon's House of Fine Eats sure knows how to throw a damn fine party. I couldn't walk through the room without bumping into someone I knew. The grub was served buffet-style in the kitchen, a nice chance to check out those brand-new butcher blocks, and David O'Malley was keeping the guests likkered while running the gamut of the eatery's fun cocktail list. He featured one house drink every hour -- I had to leave when they started in on the margaritas. (Harry always gets into trouble with tequila.) And another cool thing about Gordon Drysdale's new place is the rotating art show. Right now, he's featuring pieces by the staff of the SFMOMA -- and we all know what an eclectic bunch those kids are.

By Harry Coverte

Know something Harry doesn't? E-mail Coverte@aol.com and sweep the dirt out from under the rug.