Cigar Bar & Grill, the lively venue and destination restaurant located in San Francisco’s Jackson Square, announced the appointment of Eden Rodriguez as executive chef. With more than 15 years in the culinary industry, Rodriguez brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to his new role where he offers flavorful pan-Latin dishes to guests visiting for an exciting night out.
“Cigar Bar & Grill has a unique and vivacious energy unlike any establishment I’ve worked before,” says Chef Rodriguez. “I’m thrilled to join the team and create fresh dishes inspired by the passion for life, music and dancing you see here each evening.”
Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Rodriguez relocated to San Francisco with a deep respect and passion for food which he learned at an early age. He built his career on this strong foundation, working his way up the culinary ladder at local Bay Area restaurants until he began leading kitchens, training staff, and creating menus.
Prior to Cigar Bar & Grill, Chef Rodriguez held the executive chef position at Palmer’s Tavern and Leopold’s in San Francisco for eight years before starting his own successful catering business, Rodriguez Catering. He also served as executive chef at Café Metropol earlier in his career where he honed his management skills and worked on recipe development
At Cigar Bar & Grill, Chef Rodriguez offers a seasonal menu that showcases a variety of innovative pan-Latin dishes such as Beef and Cheese Empanadas, Guajillo Braised Short Rib, Adobo Braised Half Chicken, Diablo Prawns, Mexican Street Corn, Duck Fat Papas Bravas, and more.
“Chef Rodriguez is a perfect fit for Cigar Bar & Grill with his impressive expertise in Latin cuisine and his creativity in the kitchen,” says Partner Neil Rideout. “We look forward to embarking on this new chapter with him at the helm, offering delicious yet approachable dishes that will wow our guests and pair wonderfully with our cocktails and extensive wine selection.”
Cigar Bar & Grill is located at 850 Montgomery Street in San Francisco’s Jackson Square. The welcoming space is open Wednesday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and on Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Live swing music and dancing is offered in the dancehall every first and third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m., live jazz music takes place every Thursday, and live salsa music and dancing takes place every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Cigar Bar & Grill is also pleased to announce their new partnership with Inessence to host smoke-free Bachata Sundays every first Sunday of the month featuring food, drinks and music with Salsa class at 6:00 p.m., Bachata class at 7:00 p.m., and social dancing from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Guests are also invited to experience Happy Hour every Wednesday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The enticing offers include $4 draft beers, $6 house wine and bubbly, $5 off all specialty cocktails, half-price party pitchers, and BOGO on all small bites.
