No, the tablehopper is not opening a restaurant (although I do love the name). Alvin Garcia, whom many of you may know from his years as the opening GM for Delarosa, Lolinda, and El Techo de Lolinda, is now opening his own place in the Marina, HOPPER’S PLACE, in the former Bechelli’s. He is partnering up with Tom Patella, who has been with the California Wine Merchant for the past six years (Garcia has lived in the neighborhood for five). They are going to be opening an American bistro and are currently interviewing chefs; the food will be served family style, with lots of shared plates. The wine list is going to be primarily focused on California wines, and the beer list will be mostly craft-based, with two taps and lots of bottles.
The space will seat 49, and there will be a large library-style bar and sidewalk seating for 16. The Art Deco exterior is going to lend some cues to the interior design—designer Gordana Jordanovska is behind the new look for the space. They just started demolition and are gunning for a February opening. I’ll keep you posted on details in the coming months. 2346 Chestnut St. at Divisadero.
The former Bechelli’s location. Photo courtesy of Alvin Garcia.
