The affable Kinson Lau, most recently the GM of Gitane for the past two years (he just left on Saturday), is opening his own place in SoMa: ALCHEMIST. It’s going to be a comfortable and low-key bar, with a great selection of seasonal cocktails, beer, and wine. Consulting on the bar menu is Seth Laufman (he has bartended at Gitane, Burritt Room, and is currently at Local Edition and Comstock). Laufman will also be working with a few other bartenders on the project.
There will also be a food component later on, but more details on the menu and location will be available closer to the opening date, which is targeted for early September. Stand by for updates in tablehopper in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Gitane is not only hiring a replacement for Lau, but wine director Greg Borden has also departed. Stand by for news from Gitane on the hiring front as well.
