Our man Doug Washington (partner in Town Hall, Salt House, and Anchor & Hope) has caught the restaurant design bug and is launching a design and development company, Claro, with creative director Stellah De Ville. While they will be primarily be focused on redesigning/reconcepting existing restaurants, Scoop reports their first project will be a new one of their own: a marketplace in Oakland with the working title of GRAND MARKET. The location is just next door to Charlie Hallowell’s newly opened Penrose. Look for different counters with cheese, charcuterie, bread, and more, with many items made on site (Hallowell’s team will be behind the bread). Linea Caffe will also be offered, as well as beer and wine; a spacious outdoor area will also be a focal point of the project. Stand by for updates in the coming months. 3265 Grand Ave. at Lakewood, Oakland.
Just at our post time last week, we received word about a new project from Kelsie Kerr, a Chez Panisse, Café Rouge, and Zuni Cafe alum who is well known in our local culinary scene (she was also the co-author of The Art of Simple Food and II). She is going to be opening STANDARD FARE in West Berkeley, which will be primarily a place to pick up complete meals and à la carte selections—everything will be prepared fresh daily from locally sourced organic ingredients and presented in handcrafted ceramic dishes by Jered’s Pottery, all ready-set-go to take home.
Expect dishes that will reheat beautifully, like lamb shoulder braised in red wine with rosemary and carrots, with side dishes like quinoa pilaf and lacinato kale. There will also be gratins and tians, soups and pasta sauces, and plenty of vegetarian options. Customers will need to sign a deposit for those gorg cazuelas, obviously; whether you’re picking up a stew or some side dishes, there will also be some special bags to carry them home. It will be takeout only, starting with dinner first and catering lunches Tue-Fri, and then adding lunch later (hours will eventually be 11am-7pm). Kerr is aiming to open by the end of February. 2701 8th St. at Carleton, Berkeley.
The future home of Standard Fare. Photo from Facebook.
