by Tiffany Maleshefski

2008 was a tough year for pastry chef superstar Elizabeth Falkner. Citizen Cupcake, the small cafe located on the third floor of the Virgin Megastore closed. Meanwhile, Orson, her highly ambitious, eclectic small-plates restaurant concept, located in an old steel foundry in SOMA, only managed lukewarm reviews. Orson's mixologist Jackie Patterson's unexpected exit left many wondering if Falkner had bitten off more than she could chew. (Some say Patterson was let go due to budget tightening.) This month, in a move aimed at rescuing what some call her expensive sinking ship, Falkner has entirely revamped the restaurant's menu.

After original chef de cuisine Ryan Farr left on his on accord last fall -- he decided to start his own business Ivy Elegance and to continue his work as a chef instructor for the C.H.E.F.S. program -- she thought about who might best fit the job, especially given the woeful state of the economy, and Falkner decided it was her. As they say, sometimes to get the job done, you gotta get in there and do it yourself. (We are talking about a girl after all who once willed her chocolate allergy away. No joke.) We sat down with Falkner who gave us the lowdown on getting back into Orson's kitchen. Like most business owners Falkner admits to feeling the economic crunch, but seeing the glasses (and plates) on her tables as half full.

So, we understand you've taken over the reins again here.