Hard to believe… it’s been just over a year since Bubbala’s opened.

In that time, we’ve gone through more pastrami, corned beef, and brisket than I ever imagined—and thankfully, most of it has been outstanding.

The Art of Consistency

What nobody tells you, though, is how hard it is to stay consistent. It’s a challenge, especially when your (truly wonderful) staff didn’t grow up knowing what a matzo ball should taste like, how to slice pastrami so it’s perfectly tender, or—don’t even get me started… kugel and chopped liver.

So yes, over the past year, consistency hasn’t been perfect.

The good news? We’ve turned the corner. 

We’ve strengthened our team, dialed in our process, and fixed the consistency issues that come with building something from scratch. Which brings us to this…

We’re ready to open (for real this time).

That’s right—we’re officially calling 2025 our "soft opening." And this summer? That’s will be our  Grand Opening.

Didn’t see that coming, did you?

The Story of "Everybody’s Bubbe"

Along the way, we met an incredible local artist with a story that feels like it was meant to be part of Bubbala’s.

Idie Weinsoff, based right here in Fairfax, painted a portrait of her husband’s grandmother, Anne. The first time I saw the piece, I didn’t know her name—but I knew exactly who she was. She was Everybody’s Bubbe. Now, she has a permanent home here on our walls.

Artist Idie Weinsoff - @weinsoffidie on instagram

A Small World

The story gets even better. Before settling in Fairfax, Idie grew up on Long Island—Westbury, to be exact. As it turns out, she went to school with my cousin Jeff! In fact, she admitted she had a bit of a crush on him back in elementary school—which, apparently, is also how she first heard about Bubbala’s (thanks, Jeff).

Idie has been painting for over 20 years, though her love for it goes all the way back to childhood—when she was more focused on drawing (sometimes quietly, from the sidelines) than following the rules of the classroom.

After moving to San Francisco in 1989, she has become a fixture in our local art scene, with recent showings at Town Books in San Anselmo. We are so honored to have her work as the heart of our dining room.

Come See Us (Again and Again)

So, come on by and try a Reuben or a tuna melt—then come by again and again to make sure we’re staying consistent!

While you’re here, take a look at "Everybody’s" Bubbe. And if you happen to see Idie, tell her what a great job she did capturing the feeling of not only her mother-in-law (love the pearls!) but what is at the heart of Bubbala’s as well.

We can’t wait to see you for our "second" first year.