UPDATE: This project has swiftly been put on ice.
If ever you’ve driven north on I280 towards San Francisco, you’ve probably noticed the eccentric, dome-shaped Flintstone House in Hillsborough. Now, rather than just wondering about life inside, we can dine at a high-end sushi pop-up opening there this week.
Beginning July 12, Stoneage Omakase plans to feature a 15-course menu priced at $230, created by sushi chef Masa Sasaki. Known for his previous Michelin-starred ventures in San Francisco, Sasaki presents an array of delicacies such as premium Wagyu beef and sea urchin.
The Flintstone House is a creation of architect William Nicholson from the 1970s, and it has long been a subject of fascination with its bulbous, otherworldly structure and vibrant lawn decorations. Owner Florence Fang infused the property with childhood nostalgia and making it their “happy place.” She’s opening it to the public for the first time since she acquired it in 2017.
Some neighbors have considered it an eyesore; The town of Hillsborough sued Fang in 2019, declaring her house a public nuisance. The lawsuit claimed that the various Flintstones-themed statues and other decorations installed by Fang were “highly visible eyesores” and “out of keeping with community standards.”
Obviously things must have worked out since it’s now a restaurant. Fang received a tidy $125,000 settlement for her troubles in court.
This isn’t a full-fledged restaurant but a catered pop-up, with some skeptics curious about proper permits. Given its popularity though, maybe it’ll turn into something more permanent.
If you were lucky enough to snag a rez, you’ll not only get sushi but also receive a guided tour of the home and its eye-catching dinosaur statues. Reservations opened on July 3 but it’s already filled up. We mostly caught wind of it by some cute videos by food influencers, but all links point to joining Stoneage’s email newsletter if you want to get past the red rope next time.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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