Back in March, Eater broke the story that Jon Gasparini and Greg Lindgren (Rye, 15 Romolo, Rosewood) had plans to open a European-style café and bar in a SoMa location (on Jessie Street). It ends up the gents have been waiting for years to do a concept like this: an all-day space where you can swing by for coffee, an aperitivo, wine, and a bite. The list of spirits will be very focused, with a limited but very curated selection of spritzes, drinks, and snacks (with obscure amaros, oh you know it). They are also excited to be working on housemade sodas.
The focal point of the 800-square-foot location will be the very long wood bar that extends the length of the space (about 35 feet). There will also be some two-tops and four-tops, with potentially some outdoor seating as well. The look will be refined yet rustic, with some historic texture and vintage elements, and plenty of natural light. (They are working with Brett Terpeluk [Farina] on the design.) There’s a basement, which is where they will be storing their Clinebell ice machine—the first in San Francisco—which creates large blocks of crystal clear ice. They will be doing crushed ice, ice spears, large cubes, and there might even be a vintage ice box behind the bar. They just started demolition a couple weeks ago (it used to be Copy Edge), and are targeting February or March 2012 for the opening. Hours will be mid-morning to 2am. I’ll keep you posted on timing and when they pick a name for the project. 163 Jessie St. near 3rd St.
