One of modern San Francisco dining history’s most prolific restaurateurs — known for opening some 30 businesses over 50 years, including legacy steakhouse Izzy’s and likely the city’s first New Orlean-style spot — has died. Robert Samuel “Sam” DuVall was 80 years old when he died of natural causes on Nov. 1. Most of DuVall’s restaurants were in San Francisco, where they were known for their conceptual, immersive interiors that weaved together his love of travel, history, art and hospitality. DuVall took risks, introducing locals to different cuisines such as creole food at Elite Cafe, often credited as the first New Orleans-style restaurant San Francisco when he opened it in 1981, and modern Cuban dishes at 2003’s lively Habana, designed to transport diners to old Havana. “He had the goal of taking someone out of their day-to-day and bringing them, if just for a few hours, into an all-encompassing, unique experience, from the decor to the food to the way they felt when they walked in the door,” said his daughter, Samantha DuVall Bechtel. Restaurateur Sam DuVall enjoys a meal at Rex Cafe in San Francisco. He recently died at age 80.Photo: John O’Hara / The Chronicle 2004 DuVall grew… Read full this story
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