Some exciting new tenants are coming to Ghirardelli Square (now owned by Jamestown, a real estate investment trust), including a project from chef Jonathan Waxman (Barbuto in NYC) and a second location of Le Marais Bistro & Bakery. Waxman’s project is a homecoming of sorts—he was born in Berkeley and, like a good Berkeley-born chef, has culinary roots at Chez Panisse. He will be opening a sit-down brasserie and a fast-casual café (currently unnamed) in the Square’s Mustard Building in the Upper Plaza, dating back to 1899, serving his seasonal and Italian-inflected cuisine (let’s not forget where Domingo Ghirardelli came from). The Chronicle mentions the opening is slated for the fall.
Meanwhile, Ghirardelli Square’s Apartment House will be the home of Le Marais Bistro & Bakery, which will have 116 seats in this two-level location. Husband and wife Patrick and Joanna Ascaso will be serving their artisan-made breads and exquisite array of viennoiserie (croissants, pains au chocolat, carrés, and Danishes), as well as pâtisserie selections (tarts, macarons, choux, and entremets). There will also be a bistro component, with dishes inspired by the French coastal regions, and cocktails. The historic location, which dates back to 1916, has a fantastic view of the water and Alcatraz, and fortunately there is an outdoor terrace where you can can really take it in. The look will include leather banquettes, classic bistro mirrors, cream-painted cabinetry, and penny tile floors. Look for early 2016 on this one, we’ll keep you updated. 900 North Point St. at Polk.
The Ghirardelli Square Apartment House, where Le Marais Bistro & Bakery will be opening its new location. Photo courtesy of Le Marais.
