As reported in February, Sachin Chopra of Michelin-starred All Spice in San Mateo is taking over the former Masa’s space with his wife, Shoshana Wolff. The new restaurant is called GAME and is opening on Thursday November 6th. Zach Freitas, an All Spice alum, is serving as executive chef, with Rodrigo Ormachea on pastry (a Peruvian native who has worked at Dry Creek Kitchen, Revival Bar + Kitchen in Berkeley, and Plum and Haven in Oakland) and Conor Carroll (most recently at Burritt Room + Tavern) as sommelier.
The menu offers two choices for dining: you can order à la carte or go with the chef’s five-course tasting menu. Whatever you decide, the kitchen is focused on game, including duck with pan-seared polenta, yogurt, and blackened alliums ($35), and a roasted venison with trumpet mushrooms, pumpkin, and watercress ($36). There is also a freekeh porridge (which is officially a trend item, it would seem) with charred cabbage, boletes, and palm. You can also try an elk burger ($21), but there are only 21 available every day (a nod to the game blackjack). Take a look at the menu here.
As for the storied space, it has been opened up to include an expanded bar, and a front window allows more light into the dining room. Designer Michael Brennan’s original paintings of animals playing cards adorn the walls, giving the space a whimsical feel reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie. (We’re happy to see Masa’s toile-upholstered chairs have stayed put.) The dining room seats 50, in addition to a private dining room for 12.
As for wine, Carroll and Wolff worked together on the wine list. Carroll also developed the cocktails, which will adhere to classic recipes, but with some unexpected savory ingredients incorporated into the drinks. Hours are Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm. 648 Bush St. at Powell, 415-874-9481.
The dining room at Game. Photo by Hardy Wilson.
