Though we continue to see some restaurants closing permanently, I note more openings than closings lately. That’s in spite of the challenging environment for restaurants. Many, and perhaps a surprising number, have set up parklets in the street for outdoor dining, and these continue to add ambiance and decorations (check out Taverna in particular). Some, however, have added heaters, curtains, and covers that protect diners from sun or rain and the evening’s typical cool wind but that make the outdoor space more like indoor space and subject the diners, I fear, to a greater likelihood of inhaling someone else’s pathogens. Meanwhile, here is the news.

Mexican street-food eatery San Agus (St. Augustine) Cocina Urbana has settled into the space at the foot of Hamilton Avenue formerly occupied by Spot Pizza (and briefly by Teaquation & Tonic); they specialize in cocktails, too. (Mexico City features one of the most modern, vibrant, urban environments in the world.) Cajun-themed Blitz Bar and Grill has instantly replaced Turkish restaurant Tuba on Bryant just south of University. Zamira, embedded within Georgian restaurant Bevri across Bryant from Tuba, offers a small (three-item), specialized menu from Uzbekistan. Zadna Bowl replaces the barely-opened Roost House on Emerson just north of University Avenue, offering Eastern Mediterranean fast food like shawarma (of various types) and falafel along with Western Mediterranean tagines. It’s run by a friendly family infusing their Jordanian traditions into their menu. Note that the food comes in bowls, not in pita bread. Singaporean restaurant and coffee house Killiney Kopitiam, next to the former Prolific Oven on Waverley, has finally opened after a two-year delay. Gyros Gyros has moved from the corner of University and Cowper to the spot most recently occupied by Umami Burger (and before that Palermo) on University next to the Varsity Theater; their former space remains empty. Finally, Dan Gordon’s (where Gordon Biersch held force for many years, on Emerson near Forest) has closed up shop.