Pre-Previews

Doc Rickett’s, a New Restaurant From Darwin Café Guy, Replaces the Purple Onion

The former awning.
The former awning. Photo: Wallyg/Flickriver

You may recall that iconic North Beach comedy club The Purple Onion (140 Columbus Avenue) closed last fall after 60 years. Its comedy shows have moved down the street to Kells (530 Jackson Street), and today the Chron reports that Darwin Café owner Christopher Burnett has taken over the space and will transform it into a restaurant. While concept details remain TBA, the name is Don Rickett’s, after John Steinbeck’s marine biologist friend on whom he modeled the character of Doc in Cannery Row. This news comes just after yesterday’s big North Beach item about April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman taking over the Tosca, and the news earlier this week about the latest chapter for the former Enrico’s, which will now be Naked Lunch Pub & Grill. More to come on Don Rickett’s as we hear it. [Chron]

Doc Rickett’s, a New Restaurant From Darwin Café Guy, Replaces the