BREAKING NEWS: Chef Gizela Ho, formerly of Rich Table, has just announced her new restaurant concept, Good Morning 96, set to revolutionize San Francisco’s dining scene. This exciting development comes after Ho’s remarkable four-year tenure at Rich Table, where she honed her culinary skills and refined the restaurant’s acclaimed market-driven menu.
Ho is embarking on a transformative journey with Good Morning 96, which she envisions as a casual, produce-forward eatery designed for sharing. Drawing inspiration from her childhood in Guam, her familial ties to Hong Kong, and her extensive experience in Northern California kitchens, this venture is generating significant buzz among food enthusiasts.
The name Good Morning 96 is rich with meaning, referencing a popular kitchen-towel brand in Hong Kong, Guam’s local motto, and the year Ho’s grandfather opened a storefront, reflecting her deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Ho’s culinary journey began at UC Davis, where she initially majored in biochemistry before pivoting to the culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. She joined Rich Table as a stagiaire in 2014 and returned to San Francisco in 2017 to ascend to the position of chef de cuisine. Her impressive background includes stints in Michelin-starred kitchens in Hong Kong, setting the stage for her latest endeavor.
In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, Ho emphasized that Good Morning 96 will not be confined to a single cuisine. Instead, she plans to feature a rotating menu segmented into “snacky” sections, with just two seasonal entrees. Early favorites include a cold glass noodle salad with spicy shiso vinaigrette, grilled Monterey squid, and a seasonal pizookie for dessert.
This launch aligns perfectly with a growing trend in San Francisco’s culinary landscape, where chefs are increasingly opting for smaller, more personal restaurant concepts. The city has seen a surge of such ventures, with Rich Table already inspiring offshoots like RT Rotisserie, recognized by Eater SF and the prestigious Michelin Guide.
While Ho is currently scouting for a brick-and-mortar location and has not yet disclosed an opening timeline, the excitement surrounding Good Morning 96 is palpable. As she prepares to assemble her team and finalize her menu, food lovers are eagerly anticipating what this innovative dining experience will offer.
Stay tuned for updates as Gizela Ho continues to shape the future of San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene with Good Morning 96. With her commitment to seasonal ingredients and personal storytelling through food, this new restaurant is poised to make a significant impact on the local dining culture.
