A report by Dana Massey-Todd. As reported on tablehopper in December, Tony Ferrari and Jonathan Sutton of the pop-up HILLSIDE SUPPER CLUB are opening a brick-and-mortar location, right in the same space where they’ve been popping up. The former Caffe Cozzolino was taken over by the pair after a successful Kickstarter campaign, and it’s slated to open this week. On Wednesday January 23rd (that’s tomorrow!) they’ll be throwing an opening party, then fully open on Thursday January 24th.
They’ll be serving Italian-Californian food, with about six appetizers and four mains. They’ll also do a daily prix-fixe chalkboard menu, which will vary in price depending on the items. Here’s the opening menu for you to check out. Lamb sugo? Check. The wine list, which was put together by general manager Gregory van Hoesen, is focused on sustainable and biodynamic wines from all over the world. There are around 12 wines on the regular menu, and as many as 15 more on an “adventurers” list that you can ask for, with more eclectic and unusual choices. There will also be two beers on tap: the Almanac Honey Saison (delish) and Sculpin IPA. You can take a look at the wine list here.
These guys lucked out with their space too. The building has fantastic Victorian bones, and they’ve kept things simple, if a bit expected. There are repurposed Mason jar light fixtures from Omega Lighting Design in Berkeley, wooden chairs, and a nice metal-topped bar. The ceilings are wonderfully high, with great arched windows and stained glass on one side. In the back is a great lofted area that they’ve converted into a more intimate and personal area with a big communal table. Eventually, there will be bookcases with the pair’s favorite cookbooks, as well as the names of their most generous Kickstarter contributors and some other more personal mementos. This spot will be available for groups of up to 10 to do a chef’s tasting menu, family style.
The spot has been warmly embraced by the neighborhood, from the designer upstairs who offered to make their signage to a women down the street who will be doing their flowers (adorable). They are just across the street from Precita Park, and hope to add picnic lunches to their arsenal soon, along with weekend brunch. For now, they’re only open for dinner and are closed Tuesdays. Hours are Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. Reservations are available on UrbanSpoon now, for as soon as Thursday January 24th. 300 Precita Ave. at Folsom, 415-285-6005.
The not-quite-done interior at Hillside Supper Club. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.
