30 | EDIBLE SF FALL 2025 For Ken Fulk, abundance is not measured in more, but in meaning. His spaces and gatherings, whether a candlelit dinner at home, a storied San Francisco restaurant, or an intimate evening with friends, are designed to remind us that hospitality is, at its heart, about generosity. "Gracious hospitality never goes out of style," he says, and it's clear he means more than a well-set table. That philosophy resonates the moment you step inside his new San Francisco shop beneath the Magic Factory. At first glance, it's a treasure trove: paper botanicals blooming eternally, candles that conjure specific memories, and stacks of fantastical books and curiosities. But linger, and you realize the objects are less about the things themselves than the stories they can spark. A simple detail can transform a gathering into something unforgettable. Abundance here isn't clutter or excess; it's the layering of imagination, beauty, and wit in service of making people feel seen. "Abundance doesn't necessarily mean excess; I use the word most frequently in reference to friends and family, good luck, and great style," Fulk explains. That tension between indulgence and restraint, extravagance and intimacy, is what makes his entertaining so memorable. A picnic basket custom designed for caviar and potato chips alongside flowing champagne feels just as true to him as a single candle flickering in the corner of a quiet room. Both are gestures of generosity, and both carry the same intention: to give guests an experience that feels abundant in spirit, not just in scale. Fulk's command of this balance spans from private homes to public spaces. He knows how to honor history while layering in fantasy, as he did in reimagining Tosca Café, a North Beach landmark reborn under his theatrical touch. He also knows how to conjure entirely new worlds, like the exuberant Leo's Oyster Bar, where palm fronds, pink onyx, and playful glamour invite diners into another era. Whether the setting is steeped in tradition or invented from scratch, his spaces are always designed for gathering, for conversation, and joy. It's this same approach that defines his entertaining. Tables set with unexpected pairings (books stacked like charms, botanicals blooming across the room, and trays arranged with both elegance and irreverence) are never just decoration. They're invitations. Each detail feels meticulous yet effortless, layered with meaning but never weighed down. The result is a abundance that feels lush and alive, theatrical yet intimate. In the end, what Fulk offers is a reminder: abundance is not about accumulation, but about connection. It’s friends gathered around a table, laughter spilling late into the night. It is a host who anticipates needs before they're spoken. It is the art of giving more than expected, not to impress, but to delight. And that, as Fulk insists, will never go out of style. GILT COMPLEX Ken Fulk knows when too much is just enough Writer—Heather Hartle Photography—Matt McWalters ON GATHERING
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