George Abou-Daoud (Bowery, Delancey) is planning to open Mercantile this summer in Hollywood. Six weeks after he launches the market and wine bar, next door, he plans to debut District, his first reservation-heavy restaurant with executive chef Kris Morningstar.
Abou-Daoud designed the space, which he described as “warm industrial.” Morningstar compared the finished look to “being under an elevated train.” The showpiece will be the 36-foot mahogany bar, which Abou-Daoud bought at auction. The massive multi-piece bar dates to 1912 France. Downstairs, it’s the bar, bistro seating and larger booths against the brick walls. Upstairs, you’ll find a private dining room and “mezzanine dining for a bird’s eye view.” The façade will feature glass panels with metal frames. Out front, expect patio seating. District will be larger than Delancey, which features almost 90 seats.
Morningstar described the concept as an “American bistro,” including a raw bar and house-made charcuterie inspired by France, Italy and America. As for libations, Abou-Daoud said, “Unlike Delancey, which is beer centric, this will be old fashioned cocktails and wine.” Morningstar already has two chefs in place: Josh Graves, an up-and-coming pastry chef from Boule and his chef de cuisine, Kevin Napier who worked at Joe’s in Venice and Bradley Ogden in Vegas.
As you know from the Mercantile post, Abou-Daoud has two more concepts in the works, including a Hollywood tavern and another concept that he’s not ready to describe yet. All of his concepts will be within four miles of one another.
Related Posts
- Early look at Mercantile market and wine bar
- Update on Mercantile, District and Rosewood Tavern
- Abou-Daoud Debuts The Mercantile in Hollywood
- Chef Kris Morningstar Leaving CASA
- Tamarind Ave. Deli Open in Hollywood
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- Pingback: Posts about Morningstar as of June 20, 2009 | PRAYtheREVOLUTION on June 20, 2009
- Pingback: A slightly earlier look at District in Hollywood « Great Chefs on July 31, 2009
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