BREAKING: Chef Gizela Ho, who spent four impactful years as the chef de cuisine at Rich Table, has just announced her exciting new venture, Good Morning 96, set to redefine San Francisco’s dining scene. This casual, produce-forward restaurant promises a menu rich in flavors inspired by her upbringing in Guam and her family roots in Hong Kong.
Ho is on a mission to create a unique dining experience centered around sharing, highlighting her diverse culinary background from cooking in Northern California to her formal training at the Culinary Institute of America. The opening of Good Morning 96 comes at a time when San Francisco’s culinary landscape is increasingly gravitating towards smaller, chef-driven establishments that emphasize personal narratives and seasonal ingredients.
What sets Good Morning 96 apart? Ho envisions a menu divided into enticing “snacky” sections, featuring just two rotating entrees to highlight seasonal produce. Early reports highlight exciting dishes like a cold glass noodle salad with spicy shiso vinaigrette, grilled Monterey squid, and a seasonal pizookie for dessert. The name itself, Good Morning 96, pays homage to a Hong Kong kitchen-towel brand, Guam’s motto, and the year Ho’s grandfather opened a storefront.
Ho’s journey has been anything but conventional. She began her academic life as a biochemistry major at UC Davis before pivoting to culinary arts. After staging at Rich Table in 2014, she honed her skills in Michelin-starred kitchens in Hong Kong and gained invaluable experience cooking at renowned establishments like Mister Jiu’s and Ernest. This diverse background has significantly shaped her culinary style, as noted by industry experts.
The launch of Good Morning 96 aligns with a growing trend in San Francisco, where chefs from high-profile kitchens are opting to create smaller, more personal dining experiences. Rich Table, where Ho previously excelled, has already inspired offshoots such as RT Rotisserie, receiving accolades from the Michelin Guide.
Currently, Ho is actively searching for a brick-and-mortar location for Good Morning 96, and while she has not yet disclosed an opening timeline, the anticipation is already palpable. As she navigates the next steps in securing a lease and assembling her team, the culinary community is eagerly watching how her vision unfolds.
In a city known for its vibrant food culture, Ho’s venture is poised to make a significant impact. Good Morning 96 represents not just a restaurant, but a fusion of cultures and experiences that promise to resonate with diners seeking authenticity and creativity.
Stay tuned for updates on Ho’s progress as she prepares to introduce San Francisco to her culinary journey through Good Morning 96. This is a story to watch as it develops, and the excitement around Ho’s new project is already generating buzz across the local dining scene.
