This afternoon's mail brings with it news of two restaurant closures that might come as sad news to some of the millions who call themselves foodies in these parts: According to Tablehopper, Charanga, in the Mission, is closing in November after 13 years; and Orson, Elizabeth Falkner's enormous restaurant in SoMa that made a splash upon opening in 2007, is going to close and become an event space (for holiday parties) and pop-up venue, at least through the holidays.

While restaurants down the street like Fringale and Coco500 remain pretty packed most nights, Orson has struggled to find its audience outside of the after-work cocktail crowd who've always enjoyed the spacious, urban bar. Falkner plans to do themed pop-ups there starting November 2, coinciding with her appearance on the new season of Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs, where she'll be competing with Michael Chiarello and a number of other noted chefs to become, yes, the next American Iron Chef. Check here for more on those.

As for Charanga, an exact closing date has not been announced.

[Orson]
[Tablehopper]