In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, a local restaurant has emerged from the ashes of social media controversy with a fresh identity and renewed spirit.

Bosque, previously known as KIS Cafe, has reopened its doors after a tumultuous few weeks that saw the establishment temporarily shuttered following a viral TikTok influencer dispute. Owner Eric Lin has transformed the space with a subtle off-white exterior and maintained much of the restaurant’s original warm wood interior and menu.

The controversy erupted when Luke Sung, Lin’s former partner, was accused of being dismissive towards a micro-influencer named Karla Marcotte during a potential collaboration. What began as a seemingly minor interaction quickly escalated into a social media firestorm, with Marcotte’s followers review-bombing Sung’s restaurants and causing significant disruption.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Lin has chosen to move forward constructively. The new Bosque offers a delightful Spanish-style tapas menu featuring classics like olives, anchovies, and carefully selected tinned fish from brands like Ortiz. Larger plates include a tantalizing hangar steak with green peppercorn sauce, an innovative “not fried” calamari, and a comforting roasted chicken thigh with potatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Interestingly, the restaurant’s name carries a personal touch - “Bosque” is Spanish for “forest” and also happens to be the name of Lin’s dog. This subtle naming choice pays homage to the space’s previous tenant, Bar Jules, which was similarly named after a chef’s canine companion.

Open from Monday to Saturday, 5 pm to 10 pm, Bosque represents more than just a restaurant - it’s a testament to resilience in San Francisco’s competitive dining scene. The establishment demonstrates how local businesses can navigate and overcome the complex dynamics of social media influence and public perception.

For those interested in experiencing this culinary phoenix, reservations are available through Resy, offering a chance to support a local business that has turned a potential setback into an opportunity for renewal and growth.