Hey, muchas gracias to everyone who entered the giveaway for Joanne Weir’s Wine Country Cooking. Yes, all 63 of you! ~BELOW IS A LIST OF YOUR FAVORITE WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANTS~; I thought you’d like to see what’s on everyone’s list! I grouped any similar answers together, but in no particular order. And many of you shared places on your wish lists, so I included those as well. French Laundry, no surprise, is a dream visit of many. Thanks everyone! Here goes:
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My favorite wine country place to dine is Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa.Â
My favorite wine country place to dine is Don Giovanni in Napa.
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My favorite wine country place to dine of late is Redd. Usually I eat at the bar—they have the best spicy nuts with bacon.
Love dining at Redd. Food's great, service superb. This is from a Charleston S.C. native who visits his daughter in Berkeley and never fails to venture north to wine country.
Redd, Yountville
One of my favorite Wine Country spots is Redd. Mmm mmm.
I base my choice for favorite wine country restaurant (at least for 2007) on what I consider all the elements necessary for a complete wine country dining experience. My winner is Redd in Yountville, Napa County. We sat outside on a casually elegant patio enjoying balmy weather, flowers in bloom, and people watching on the street. The menu was fresh and innovative without being pretentious drawing on local, seasonal selections and wines form nearby wineries. Prices were also reasonable which I consider a plus. Our waiter was knowledgeable, attentive, and happy to answer our questions about the many small nearby Napa wineries. He suggested a fantastic 2007 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc to accompany our fish entree. What made this our perfect wine country dinner was that before the evening was over, the winemaker actually dropped by for a bite to eat. Finally, on our last day in Napa, we drove a few miles down the road to Cliff Lede Winery to purchase some of his Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed a very sophisticated art exhibit at the winery before driving home.
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I love dining at so many places in wine country, but Bouchon is a wonderful classic with a great vibe and bar!
Bouchon at the bar. Meet great folks there and nibble on several of the killer appetizers and maybe a few oysters. Bartender is friendly and will usually top off a glass of wine that’s getting low. If it’s on special, gotta get the Basque cake for dessert. And then toddle off across the patio to the bakery to get some intense fruit jellies and an almond croissant for breakfast the next morning. That is, if one can hold off that long.
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Napa is my ‘wine country’ locale, since I went to the CIA there. It’s a personal favorite. As far as a favorite place to dine, aside from a cheeseburger at Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena (not quite “dining”), I like Bouchon. The food is straightforward, and very good. I've liked Hurley's in the past - but haven't been there in some time.
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Taylor's Refresher!
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Rutherford Grill!!!
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Madrona Manor in Healdsburg in the beautiful Alexander Valley.
My favorite wine country restaurant is Madrona Manor.
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My favorite wine country restaurant is Cyrus in Healdsburg. It is the ultimate in fine dining.
I have to say, hands down, my favorite place to dine in wine country is Cyrus in Healdsburg. The restaurant is right on par with French Laundry at half the price. The food is unbelievable and the wait staff could not be nicer. When it was time for the cheese course, our server told us where all thirty cheeses were from, as well as which ones were pasteurized and which were raw (I am pregnant and unable to eat unpasteurized cheeses). Though it is a very nice, elegant restaurant, there is nothing pretentious or snooty about it. You feel at home when you are dining at Cyrus. I have a feeling in a few years we will be reading about Cyrus much as we do now with French Laundry.
I'm dyin' to go Cyrus, just can't find someone to go along.
Definitely would be Cyrus in Healdsburg. Great innovative cuisine at half the price of the French Laundry in an elegant décor setting.
I've heard of a restaurant called CYRUS in Healdsburg that is supposed to be great! I'd love to go there.
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My favorite place to dine in the Wine Country is Ad Hoc (with Ubuntu a close second).
Ad Hoc, with its flavorful fresh food and lovely wine in an austere yet comfortable atmosphere is a destination in itself.
My favorite wine country place to dine is Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc. Ad Hoc serves simple food done perfectly and the atmosphere and wine selection are all fabulous. Plus, visiting Yountville is fabulous in itself!
Ad Hoc!! Haven't been but want to go. Ok... French Laundry is where I'd really like to go but can't bring myself to part with the dough! :)
ad hoc.
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My very favorite is K & L Bistro in Sebastopolxfood is always top notch and service is great.
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My new faves are Martini House and Ad Hoc. Both were very good! I loved being able to sit by the open-ish kitchen at Martini House! Chatted with the sous chef and took photos of all the yummy plates coming out during our dinner.
Just spent a couple of weeks at the CIA in St. Helena, and the stand out meal (other than the ones we cooked in school!) was at the Martini House. Not very original, I'm sure, but the food was exceptional. The mushroom soup was soooo good, I'm dreaming about it. Made a couple of weak attempts to copy it. I'll just have to go back to get a fix.
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Santé in the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma is my absolute favorite Wine Country restaurant!!
I love the food at Sonoma Mission Inn. The name is Sante!
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Étoile!
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Bleaux Magnolia in Napa has a great brunch! Sit outside on the patio in the sun listening to a great jazz trio, and drinking wine with lunch! The Gator Tater Tots are fabulous.
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Swiss Hotel off the main square [in Sonoma], they serve country Italian and American classic food.
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Cafe La Haye is my favorite spot to dine in wine country. Always a good meal with great service in a lively setting but not too big or too noisy.
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La Toque
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I'm pretty partial to The Girl and The Fig... especially when I get a table out back on the patio!
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I rarely dine in wine country—I’m usually too busy wining and we often just picnic (Cornerstone in Sonoma is great for this). I have had some great experiences at the CIA—we used to take my grandmother here every year for her birthday. She always got a kick out of it. Tra Vigne was fabulous the one time I was there. Most recently I ate at La Salette—yummy and they were so kind to hold our table for a long time because we were terribly lost. My to-eat list includes: Bouchon, French Laundry (both are dreams) the girl and the fig (a bit more realistic).
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Michael Chiarello’s Bottega. I haven’t been there yet but plan to go asap! I want to see him to do a live 60 second rant like he does on his TV show.
BOTTEGA!!
I had a great lunch last week at "Bottega" in Yountville and the best part was the hugs from Michael Chiarello himself!!!! I will be back soon.
Well if you have not been to the new Bottega, you are missing out. Located in Yountville, it is beautiful and the food is worth the drive. Very creative menu, but still keeping in line with Italian peasant cooking. Everyone must go!
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One of my faves is Willow Wood in Graton, another one is The Fig Cafe.
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My favorite wine country place to dine? French Laundry, bien sur! (Okay, I've never been lucky enough to go there. But from what I've heard...)
The best was French Laundry for my husband's birthday. Really liked it.
I don't have a favorite...but I always hear that I have to go to French Laundry before I die. Only, it just may take that long to save up for it. :P
I wish I could eat at French Laundry. It's my dream, alas, no car and a tiny income keep me forever dreaming. One day I WILL enjoy that nine-courser, 'til then, the cookbook I cherish so will continue to do nicely.
I've never been there but I've heard a lot about The French Laundry. I'd love to try it out.
After nearly four years of dating, my lovely boyfriend is spoiling me with French Laundry for our anniversary in April!! I am beyond excited and most certain it will become my new favorite place to dine!
I don't have a favorite, but would love to go to French Laundry.
Besides French Laundry? Only kidding. (I never been there...) When I think of wine country, I think of Sonoma County, where I used to live. I have to vote for Santi, in Geyservillex A lot of folks don't know about it, guess because it's so far north. Great atmospherex And I adore Italian food. A new one I'd like to try is the Starlight Wine and Bar in Sebastopol... I'm intrigued. Sounds cool in the railroad car.
I really, really want to dine at Cyrus and Ubuntu. That said, I love the French Laundry and La Toque.
Hands down the French Laundry is by far my favorite place but tough economic times make that a bit more difficult.
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Second in line is certainly Bistro Jeanty. Regardless of the current weather I always crave the cassoulet at this time of year. I took my brother-in-law there for the first time and all I remember is the sweat rolling off his neck as he plowed into what he described as "the best damn dish" he's ever had. We still tease him about that and I think that he has some sort of Pavlov-ian reaction as every time he talks about it as his neck begins glisten. Besides the cassoulet, I've converted more people to lovers of tomato soup with the Crème de Tomate en Croute than I can count.
Bistro Jeanty—nothing new, but it's always delicious and easy. Compared to its pretentious neighbors it's a relief.
I have to say that my favorite wine country place to dine is Bistro Jeanty. I love the fact that it is unpretentious, and there is a large community table (at least there was last time I was there). The food is so comforting, and filling after a day of gallivanting about in the vineyards. And so different from what you get in the well-known wine country restaurants. Not that they are bad.
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So many wonderful dining opportunities in the Russian River area but I'm casting my top vote for Mirepoix in Windsor. It's a cozy, intimate, unpretentious bistro with outstanding seasonal menus and a lovely selection of boutique wines. If you haven't been, GO!!!
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Has to be Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen in St Helena! Just off the beaten path on Railroad Ave. Warm and cozyxyummy food and you can't go wrong with Cindy Pawlcyn! The Chef Pablo is amazing and will come out and chat with you about the menu! He is self-taught and has worked his way up from dishwasher at Mustard's to where he is today! Awesome!
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My favorite is Mustard’s Grill—best pork chop you will ever eat in your life!!!!
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Auberge du Soleil. I stuck my head in there a few months ago and am now dying to go back and eat and enjoy the lounge at the hotel.
I don't have a favorite place to dine but I would love to try Auberge du Soleil.
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My favorite place to dine in wine country is The General's Daughter in Sonoma. The food is always superb and the atmosphere is cozy.
[Note: this is now Estate restaurant.]
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My favorite is Celadon Lovely outdoor seating when the weather permits; elegant service; excellent food. Mmmm- lovely.
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And now, the extra-credit entries:
I'm writing in to vote for my favorite place to eat in wine country. Here are a couple of my tops (sorry, can't pick just one, hope that doesn't defeat the purpose) in no particular order:
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Healdsburg
El Sombrero - who doesn't like tacos? and a nice Mexican beer mid-wine tasting generally hits the spot w/ a little chips and salsa
Jimtown - great sandwiches + antiques, who doesn't like shopping when they’re tipsy?!
Willi's Seafood - I always have the best time here; a patio on a warm day + shared plates = bonding
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Sonoma
The Girl and the Fig - home style cooking w/ a laid-back wine country atmosphere and again, great outdoor patio, favorite dish: duck confit
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Napa
Ubuntu - probably one of the best lunches I've had in my life, favorite desert: cheese cake made in mason jar (incredible!)
Taylor's Refresher - everyone loves Taylor's as is apparent by the massive line
Ad Hoc - Thomas Keller should be dq'd from this list, but can't help it; such simple food made so well... leaves you with that Sunday night dinner feeling of pure contentment
And one more:
Places I like:
French Laundry
The Girl and the Fig
El Dorado Kitchen
Taylor's Refresher
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Places I want to go:
Ad Hoc
Cyrus
Redd
Bouchon
Bistro Jeanty
Farmhouse Inn
Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful answers! And so many different opinions, how cool.
Ready to continue some food meandering? Here are the ~TABLEHOPPER’S TOP TEN TASTES OF THE 2009 FANCY FOOD SHOW~—you can see pics of the entire line-up of the items that are mentioned below, plus others that caught my eye in my flickr photo stream here.
Picolos pickles and relishes
I adored the pickles and relishes from Picolos in Texas, especially the emerald-cut bread & butter relish. Snappy instead of mushy, how novel.
Lemon frozen custard from Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream in Washington—decadent creamy texture and bright lemon flavor, a nice change from ice cream, gelato, and sorbet.
The selections of amaros and liqueurs from Izzi, especially the Sambuca al Caffè served cold—I wish I could finish every meal with this.
Ficoco, a tasty fig and cocoa spread: move over Nutella! No fat, and low in sugar—bonus!
Now, in the high-in-fat category, I loved the English lemon pudding from the Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, made by an English baker living in Austin, Texas. For one of those nights when you wanted something warm and decadent for dessert, with no time to make one, this would be a shoo-in from the deli case. Best warmed up in the toaster oven.
The flavors of the foods at the Tunisian table rocked my palate, like the remarkable harissa from Jrah Trading, and the fiery salade mechouia, a canned grilled pepper salad, by Jardins de Carthage. Fire! Fire!
I tried to stay away from eating too much cheese, because it will just knock you down at this event. But I am so glad I pulled over to try the triple cream goat’s milk cheese from Coach Farm, whoa. And their drinkable yogurt, Yo-Goat, with no sugar added was also a delight.
It’s hard to choose a favorite beverage, but the apple beer from Utah was so refreshing, and I was content slugging the colas and ginger beer from Fentimans, like the spicy Ginger Beer and Curiosity Cola.
Since I was focused more on savory than sweet, I asked ~ADAM SMITH OF FOG CITY NEWS~ for his three favorites from the show since I knew he’d be looking for delectables to stock in his store. Here’s what he had to say:
Three Sweet Finds We'll Soon Be Carrying:
1) Michel Cluizel tins of dark chocolate-covered orange peel
2) Bonnat's three 75% dark bars made from Porcelana cacao beans (Venezuela, Peru, and Mexico origin)
3) Fentimans Curiosity Cola (like no other cola on the market!)
Shall we get to the news? Let’s do it.
Contigo
This weekend I cruised over to Noe Valley to take a peek at the soon-to-open ~CONTIGO~ project from Brett Emerson. How soon? I’m excited to announce Tuesday February 17th is the intended opening date! It’s super cute, cheerful, and I know Emerson is beyond excited to open this thing after two years of planning and construction. First, let’s discuss the Barcelona-meets-City-by-the-Bay menu, with dishes made with quality seasonal ingredients. The menu begins with a “pica-pica” section (which means “nibbles”), where you can choose from 17 hot and cold bites ($8 each/three for $21), including salads, seafood (anchovies, fried smelt, esquixada of salted rock cod, squid a la plancha), oxtail croquetas, and a variety of vegetable dishes, like chard and beet greens with garbanzos. There will also be an array of jamóns (yes, some 30-month acorn-fed jamón Ibérico de Bellota will be in the casa!), and some larger dishes, including a rotating Catalan flatbread, a chorizo burger, and fisherman’s stew. The only thing I spotted over $17 is the jamón Ibérico de Bellota, and a rotating “por dos” dish-for-two, like slow-roasted half duck, or a whole fish. There will also be some desserts, like the sure-to-be popular chocolate con churros, plus a variety of cheeses, and Blue Bottle coffee.
Contigo's wine list will be all Iberian, mainly Spanish, with some Portuguese, and a smattering of French-Basque and French-Catalan selections. The total list will include about 60 bottles, almost half under $40. They will offer nearly 20 wines by the glass, including several cavas and Sherries.
A few things you won’t see: sangria or paella. In all Emerson’s trips to Spain, he’s never had sangria, and had paella just once, at a restaurant surrounded by the fields where the rice is grown. So that’s that.
The contemporary space opens with six dark grey-padded seats at a counter that overlooks the open kitchen, wood-fired Mugnaini pizza oven, and display case, plus a hand-cranked slicer and a hot chocolate machine. This 49-seater has a variety of different areas, including a small bar in the middle of the restaurant, bench seating made from reclaimed wood, upholstered banquettes and seating on a second level, and a bright-green 16-seat enclosed patio that includes a planter box with lettuces and herbs. The space was built following sustainable and green principles, like the water glasses made from recycled wine punts, bathroom tiles that are seconds from Heath, and tabletops from the Levi Strauss building. I also find the layout of such a tight space to be quite impressive—it’s almost like a design you’d do in New York or Tokyo. The newly hired GM is Maz Naba, formerly with Salt House and Anchor & Hope. Hours will be Sun and Tue–Thu 5:30pm–10pm, and Fri–Sat until 11pm. There are plans to launch weekend brunch later on. 1320 Castro St. at 24th St., 415-285-0250.
A tablehopper reader wrote in to alert me that ~OSHA THAI~ has opened a sixth location in Glen Park in the Super Stars Yong De Restaurant, right across from the BART Station on Diamond Street. Hours are 11am–11pm daily. 2922 Diamond St. at Bosworth, 415-586-6742.
Here’s some news regarding the project moving into the former Frisson space in Jackson Square. It will be a ~STEAKHOUSE LOUNGE~, offering a contemporary take on a steakhouse menu, with smaller portions for those who aren’t up to eating a monster porterhouse. The steaks will be Midwestern beef from Dodge City, with possibly some Wagyu from Japan. The menu and many details are still being worked out, but chef Marc Vogel is leading the kitchen. The project is from Steve and Albert Chen (no relation), ex-managers of Circolo, and investors in Bin 38 and Louie’s Bar and Grill on Stevenson. This project has been called Alex, but the name will most likely change. It’s due to open in the next month-and-a-half or so—in the meantime, they are working on the menu, getting permits and inspections squared away, hiring the staff, and updating the interior. For now, the décor will have less orange tones, and more cream and black. There will be around 85 seats, with three private dining rooms, and the lounge. I’ll let you know when I get to peek at a preliminary menu and can release more info. 244 Jackson St. at Front.
I heard ~ESPETUS~ had a fire in their flue Saturday evening during the height of a busy service. Fortunately no one was hurt, damage was minimal, and they are working round the clock to reopen by this Thursday for a big event. 1686 Market St. at Gough, 415-552-8792.
tablehopper reader Jason B. writes in about a new sushi place in SoMa, ~SUSHI CLUB~: “The good news, perhaps, is it is open late. I discovered it walking to the trusty 14 Mission stop at 5th/Mission after a DJ last Thursday, say about 1:30am, and they were still open. Or perhaps the weather inspired them to stay open. Who knows. The bad news is the one review [on Yelp] doesn't look good. Assuming they don't close up shop, I'll be trying it at some point nonethelessx” Now there’s a second review up, and it’s less painful. Soft-opening mode in effect! 71 5th St. at Mission, 415-536-7888.
I’ve had a few readers wondering what’s going on with ~DEEP SUSHI~ in Noe Valley. They have had a sign on their door saying they were closed for an emergency, but that has been up for weeks. Another source tells me it was for sale. The phone just rings and rings. Will report back once I hear something definite. 1740 Church St. at Day, 415-970-3337.
Hollow
There’s a cute new café and gift shop that has opened in a former salon in the Richmond called ~HOLLOW~. There’s an espresso bar serving Ritual coffee, plus some sweets, truffles, and teas. The place is tiny, so there are only a few tables where you can linger. The inside/outside look is quite cool, a bit Secret Garden-meets-Alice in Wonderland, with all kinds of cards, hostess gifts, and more that are based on nature. Hours are Wed–Fri 8am–3pm and Sat–Sun 8am–5pm, extending very soon to Mon–Fri 7am–5pm and Sat–Sun 8am–5pm. 1435 Irving St. at 16th Ave., 415-242-4119.
Also in the neighborhood, Nick Fasanella’s taco shop at ~UNDERDOG’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL~ has extended its hours, serving tacos and other bites until midnight Thu–Sat, and until midnight during the week. 1824 Irving St. at 19th Ave., 415-566-8700.
I was out on a scouting walk this weekend, and noticed all kinds of things happening in Hayes Valley. First, the old Mad Magda’s/Frjtz space is becoming ~MARINO~. I looked at some permits— the new tenants have a restaurant called El Delfin in Delano. I will let you know when I hear back from them about their plans for this location. 579 Hayes St. at Laguna.
The windows remain papered over at ~215 OCTAVIA~. Curious what will move into the former Akelarre café space, 215 Octavia St. at Page.
One sure thing is ~PAULETTE MACARONS~, a tiny little spot that is opening today just next door to Ver Unica. This is the second location of the macaroon shop in Beverly Hills. Daily Candy had additional details, like the fact that the macaroons are: “handmade daily in Beverly Hills and shipped fresh to us. The lineup includes a dozen flavors — from caramel pecan, Colombian coffee, and lemon to Madagascar vanilla, Sicilian pistachio, violet cassis, and Earl Grey. [x] They’ll also be serving coffee, Italian espresso, and teas from Mariage Frères.” Hours are Tue–Sun 11am–7pm. 437-A Hayes St. at Gough, 415-864-2400.
Chef George Morrone was recently brought on at ~SUTRO'S AT THE CLIFF HOUSE~. Now that that holiday season has wrapped up, his contemporary-American menu is almost entirely in place, offering a “twist on classics, with contemporary flair.” Some dishes include citrus-cured gravlax with pickled beets and Fuji apples; lobster-ricotta-mascarpone ravioli with blood orange-tarragon butter; and salt-crusted prime rib of veal with parsnip-horseradish puree. By the end of the month, Morrone’s final menu will feature local seafood offerings like petrale sole, Dungeness crab, sand dabs, and shellfish. He is working closely with executive sous chef Brian O’Connor. Some of "George's favorites” will be on the menu, including his tuna tartare. 1090 Point Lobos, 415-386-3330.
Another move: ~ANDREW GENERALAO~, the former GM at Yoshi’s is now in place at La Mar on the Embarcadero. Look for service to get tightened up, special lunch menus, and more. Pier 1 1/2 at Washington, 415-397-8880.
I received this press release a few weeks ago about the ~FOODZIE~ website, almost an Etsy for the food world. While at the Austrade post-Fancy Food Show event Sunday night, I got to meet a couple of the Foodzie folks who were out here from Colorado promoting their business, an online marketplace featuring small artisan producers and growers. Though Foodzie hasn't yet officially launched its full marketplace, a few producers are up and running in a "sneak preview" version of the site. Here’s more: “Foodzie operates on a commission-based model whereby producers pay the company a fee of 20 percent for each transaction conducted through the site, allowing the producers to keep a full 80 percent of what they charge. (Traditional retailers, by contrast, often charge fees as high as 50 percent.)” Check it out, and look for more items to be available in coming months.
And now, some deals around town, including one that’s sure to appeal to many gourmands: ~SPRUCE~ is serving Perigord truffles at cost! Yup, $20 to get those puppies shaved on your dinner. The word is this year’s season is quite a good one, and while some places around town are writing off this luxurious ingredient during this tough economic climate, the folks at Spruce decided to let us eat the cost, so to speak. 3640 Sacramento St. at Spruce, 415-931-5100.
~SOUTH FOOD + WINE BAR~ will be celebrating Australia Day (January 26th) on Sunday January 25th, with “posh barbie fare” and beer from 1:30pm–4:30pm. $55 per head, includes food and beverages, plus tax and gratuity. RSVP at 415-974-5599. 330 Townsend St. #230 at 4th St., 415-974-1911.
~TWO~ is turning two this month, so there will be a series of special birthday menus featuring five $5 dishes each week from Mondays through Thursdays, until February 19th. You can check out the menu here. 22 Hawthorne St. at Howard, 415-777-9779.
An Oakland update: things are happening at the ~JACK LONDON SQUARE~ project, and here’s the latest on who will be keeping Joey Altman (Miss Pearl's Jam House) company.
First, Daniel Patterson (Coi) and Lauren Kiino (formerly chef de cuisine at Delfina) will be collaborating on ~BRACINA~, an 80-seat 3,000-square-foot project on the ground floor of the soon-to-be-complete Jack London Market (she will be the chef, while Patterson will “provide organizational oversight and consult on the menu”). Bracina, Latin for “kitchen,” will feature an open kitchen and rotisserie as well as a full bar, plus outdoor seating that will look out over the waterfront. The menu will be casual, “a brand of rustic-refined California cuisine highlighting the best local and seasonal ingredients.”
Then there’s ~BOCANOVA~ from the husband-and-wife team of Rick Hackett (MarketBar) and Meredith Melville. BOCANOVA will feature a Pan-American grill menu, with dishes from South, Central, and North America that will use local ingredients when possible; Hackett is collaborating with local farmers in planting South and Central American produce that isn’t readily available in the Bay Area. There will be dishes like Argentine cuts of beef, whole fish with Peruvian peppers and spices from the rotisserie, and regional South and Central American slow braises and bean pots from the open kitchen. There will also be ceviche from the raw bar, salads, seafood tacos, and more, including desserts from the bakery. BOCANOVA is opening in the 6,500-square-foot 66 Franklin Street Building, an historic ice warehouse from 1926. Michael Guthrie & Company is designing the contemporary yet rustic space, and will be using recycled and sustainably harvested materials.
Meg Ray, the founder of Miette Patisserie, is opening ~WREN BAKERY~, a small retail storefront, spacious production facility, and baking school. The state-of-the-art kitchen will feature 17-foot ceilings and enormous plate-glass windows. The professional cooking course will focus on cake and pastry production, with instruction in both American and European techniques. Non-professional class topics will include baking, decorating, marzipan-rose modeling, petit fours, chocolate work, and candy making, taught by acclaimed pastry chefs from New York, Paris, and Vienna. A course on bread will be added in the coming years, and there will also be classes for children.
Many of these projects are hoping to open in the spring and summer. All the restaurants will benefit from the proximity of the 70,000-square-foot ~JACK LONDON MARKET~, the largest of its kind on the West Coast, scheduled to open in the summer. It will house small businesses selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, and specialty products with an emphasis on local and sustainable practices. Cocina Poblana also has a location in Jack London Square, so the final tally could go up to 10–15 restaurant tenants. Blue Bottle is also opening nearby, in the Jack London District, but west of the 880.
