Michael and Jacky Recchiuti, the chocolate masterminds behind the Recchiuti chocolate line (and shop in the Ferry Building) are getting ready to open their newest venture, the CHOCOLATE LAB café. The café (in the former Piccino space in Dogpatch) will serve savory and sweet treats, including light sandwiches, chocolate desserts, and the chocolate confections that have made Recchiuti famous. Take a peek at the menu here, and can I just say: sign me up for that ice cream sundae.
The space for Chocolate Lab has been designed to create an apothecary or laboratory mood, which seems fitting, as chocolate is definitely a sort of medicine for lots of us. The design utilizes pieces from lots of local talent too. Heath Ceramics is responsible for much of tile throughout the café and kitchen, and local artist Nate Watson created the hand-blown glass details in the dining area. The tabletops and walls were created from a fallen elm tree by Paul Discoe. Overlooking the dining area is a darling garden from the green thumb geniuses at Flora Grubb. The space should be a beautiful spot to enjoy a light lunch or a rich, inventive dessert or both—let’s be honest.
The café is slated to open in early October, but in the meantime you can head over to the LITTLE NIB, which just opened down the street. Little Nib will be selling Recchiuti’s chocolate confections, including favorites from the Ferry Building as well as a new “Dogpatch” line. There will also be packaged baked goods to take home, like brownies and cookies.
Chocolate Lab will be open Tue-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, and Sun 11:30am-5pm. 801 22nd St. at Tennessee, 415-489-2881. Little Nib will be open Tue-Sat 12pm-7pm and Sun 12pm-5pm. 807 22nd St. at Tennessee, 415-489-2882.
Michael Recchiuti at a Dogpatch block party. Photo courtesy Tom Seawell Photography.
