Call it a Christmas miracle: chef Seth Stowaway just opened his first restaurant this past weekend, OSITO, as well as sister cocktail bar Liliana. This 100-percent, live-fire restaurant offers one extensive tasting menu nightly ($295), paying homage to his Texas upbringing (and many years living in the Mission), while highlighting peak seasonal produce and top local purveyors, with everything cooked over the fire. The opening menu will be focused on winter game birds, while February will bring a menu dedicated to local seafood. Stowaway has worked in the Bay Area for the past 15 years; he was a sous chef for Brandon Jew at Mister Jiu’s, and was executive chef of Bar Agricole Group.
He has most recently been hosting pop-ups as he developed the concept and was fundraising (which is still ongoing). He’s working with director of operations Lucia Camarda and service director Madison Michael (previously Merchant Roots), with beverage director Jon Prange and wine director Maz Naba—optional wine pairings are available for $95, or reserve wine pairings for $125.
You’ll be able to enjoy cocktails and “nostalgic coastal cuisine” from Osito chef de cuisine Bethany Hunt at sister bar Liliana, which is meant to be a place for folks to drop by for a more-casual experience. You can look at the menu (and cocktails and wines by the glass) here.
Studio Terpeluk designed the restaurant and bar, which features sustainably harvested sugar pine and dark reclaimed redwood, a communal table handmade by Yvonne Mouser, and custom brass chandeliers from Kurtis Major. All eyes will be on the steel and brick hearth created by blacksmith Jorgen Harle. There are two seatings nightly (5pm and 8:30pm). 2875 18th St. at Florida.
A moment and dish from Osito’s R&D period. Photo: Rob Schanz.
