Opening Tuesday November 1st is CLAUDINE, the latest project from Franck LeClerc (Gitane, Café Claude, and 5 Claude Lane gallery). It’s a combination eatery, wine bar, and gourmet market, with 31 seats for those of you who want to sit down for lunch or dinner (or just an afternoon snack), or grab a seat at the circular wine bar pouring local beers and wines on tap, selected with the help of Saison/Vinyl’s Mark Bright. LeClerc is known for his cool-looking projects; the sleek space was designed by Elmer Lin of Consortium (Bocadillos, 5 Claude Lane gallery).
Chef Bridget Batson (Gitane) has created a seasonal, frequently rotating menu of a dozen or so items that includes daily crudo (tablehopper got word about a diver scallop crudo with fennel confit and lemon), oysters, along with soups, salads, and small plates like meatball, kale, and fregola soup with Parmesan and olive oil; crispy pork salad with golden delicious apples, radicchio, and banyuls vinegar; and chicken liver mousse with fig compote, port gelée, and brioche. There are a few mains like New York strip loin with heirloom tomatoes, garlic confit, and tomato butter, and olive oil poached albacore with orecchiette, Gypsy peppers, capers, and lemon (the price range will run $7-$18).
Consulting pastry chef Hili Revzan (formerly with Range) is behind the playful desserts, which include s’mores in a jar and housemade Oreo cookies. You can also grab packed-up meals to go (perfect for you eat-at-your-desk types), and the market includes local olive oils, culinary gadgets, and be sure to take a peek at the book selection (you’ll recognize a bright blue one on the shelf). Lunch and dinner service to start; weekend brunch service to follow. 8 Claude Ln. at Sutter, 415-362-1988.
The bar at Claudine. Photo by Bruce Damonte.
