Now open in SoMa is DRIFTWOOD (as we mentioned earlier, the bar was opening in the former Kok Bar/My Place). To recap, the project is from surfer friends Shawn Magee (owner of Amnesia) and Chris Milstead (who has been behind the bar at Bistro Aix for the past 20 years). The laid-back but stylish space has a lot of nautical and handcrafted touches, from the custom benches with under-seat storage to hand-sewn barstools, plus a marine-grade bronze bar top and custom wall sconces (by Lawrence LaBianca). There is also a piano, record player, and fireplace for additional ambience and entertainment.
Nick Bray (83 Proof) designed the cocktail list (check it out here) and all the cocktails clock in at $9. And coming soon: Josey Baker (who is a good friend of Shawn’s) is helping to set up a toast bar! They are still working out the details and getting the right equipment, but it could be up and running very soon (maybe even this weekend). The owners have also been doing some pickling, which will be appearing in bar snacks and some drink concoctions. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 2pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. at 8th St., 415-255-9903.
Before I left for my trip to Rio, we followed up with club owner Peter Glikshtern on some ABC license activity we saw for the former Shine. He is partnering with Jordan Langer (Big) and Jeff Whitmore (Public Works) on ODD JOB, which is targeted to open in late July. (So does this mean the Odd Job loft at Public Works will be getting a new name?) Scoop picked up the additional news that Big’s bar manager Brian Felley is not involved with this project and there will be a new hire. Stand by for more in coming weeks. 1337 Mission St. at 9th St.
And coming late this July in the former Mist will be BERGERAC from Bruce McDonald (Foreign Cinema), Anderson Pugash (Crossroads Nightlife Group), and David Brinkley (Vessel). Bar director Russell Davis will be crafting the cocktail list—look for some soda fountain-era drinks, punches, and table-shaken cocktails, plus house-blended spirits and vermouths, and a bourbon aged in a cocktail-infused barrel (in collaboration with St. George Spirits). Chef Randy Lewis is making an appearance—his cocktail-friendly menu includes a crudo of McFarland Springs trout, cucumber “gravlax,” and rye crackers designed to pair with a gin cocktail. Josh Rowland is behind the eclectic design inspired by the Villa Nellcôte, a French mansion where the Rolling Stones composed Exile on Main Street. There will be a 25-seat bar, two communal tables, and high tables for two or four, plus more living room-style seating, with velvet and leather tufted couches, chairs and coffee tables, and a fireplace with recliner chairs and love seats (also in Scoop). Stand by for pics soon. 316 11th St. at Folsom.
