Michelin-Star Chef Opens SF Bagel Shop

The new Loveski Deli is located at 499 Jackson Street in the city's Jackson Square neighborhood, taking over the space formerly occupied by Postscript Cafe. The location is strategically placed just a block from the Transamerica Pyramid, in a bustling area populated by venture capitalists, tech startups, and creative professionals. While the interior remains largely the same, seating has been doubled to accommodate 40 guests. Chef Christopher Kostow was the executive chef at The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley, where he earned three Michelin stars consecutively from 2011 to 2019. This made him the third-youngest chef and second American-born chef to ever receive three stars. The acclaimed restaurant was unfortunately destroyed in the 2020 Glass Fire and has not yet reopened. The name "Loveski" is a tribute to Kostow's family name before it was changed at Ellis Island, which was Koslovski. The deli concept is a collaboration with his wife and business partner, Martina Kostow, who oversees operations, branding, and development for their restaurant group. The "Jew-ish" deli concept incorporates elements of Martina's Thai heritage, creating a personal and artisanal menu. The first Loveski Deli opened in Napa's Oxbow Public Market in 2022, followed by a second location in the Marin Country Mart in 2023. Their Montreal-style bagels, made from a 30-year-old sourdough starter and boiled in honey, were named the Bay Area's favorite by the San Francisco Chronicle's food team in a blind taste test. The San Francisco location will have a stronger focus on grab-and-go options to cater to the neighborhood's workforce. Exclusive menu items include roasted salmon and chicken teriyaki bowls, a chicken Caesar wrap, and bone broth. The shop will also feature a "larder section" with Kostow's own pantry creations like everything bagel chili crisp, pickle hot sauce, and even tamari and miso made from bagels. In a unique partnership, Loveski will continue to serve coffee, juices, and smoothies from the previous tenant, Postscript Cafe. Postscript's co-founders, Gina and Stuart Peterson, have partnered with the Kostows, and Gina will continue to roast coffee at the location. Approximately 90% of the Postscript staff have been retained.