Moose's Reopens Today With A Redesign That Redefines Classic San Francisco Dining

Moose's Restaurant, the North Beach institution that borders Washington Square Park, reopens today after undergoing a complete restaurant redesign. Among several changes, the white tablecloths have been stripped and a 20-person communal table added. "It's time for the Moose to let its antlers down," says Valen West, Moose's new Front of the House Managing Partner. West has teamed with 29-year old Partner/Executive Chef Travis Flood and renowned designer Michael Brennan with the goal of creating a neighborhood restaurant.

In addition to the grand reopening, today marks the debut of Flood's new menu. Flood, who honed his skill and technique under the tutelage of Laurent Grass at Fifth Floor, highlights contemporary American food with innovative flavor profiles. Certain to be a favorite dish, Flood's "risotto carnitas" combines an Italian classic with his love of Mexican food.

The new design concept, helmed by Michael Brennan (Circa, Cortez, Bruno's), incorporates rich warm colors and plush, heavy fabrics for an intimate and evocative atmosphere of a timeless quality.

Oversized wall-mounted bronze sconces and embellished floor-lamps, which flank dark leather-wrapped banquets, provide an ambient glow throughout the restaurant. Heavy curtains with touches of antique gold separate the restaurant from the bar area and work as a sound barrier between the bustling rooms. A refurbished bar as well as a new 20-person communal table in the lounge are enhanced with tabletop custom-made wine bottle light fixtures.

In conjunction with Brennan's design, Travis Flood offers two menus - one for the main dining room, and the other one scaled down for the casual lounge area. Flood's approachable menu is underlined with his basic principles: all pastas are made in-house by hand; all fish are line-caught, not farm raised; and slow-cooked meats such as the pork belly and beef short ribs will always have a place on the menu.

Wine director Glen Standish's globetrotting list showcases boutique producers and offers organic and biodynamically produced wines. The emphasis is on value and quality with 15-wines by the glass and 150-by-the-bottle being offered. A selection of half bottles is also available.

"We're tuning up a classic," says Valen West, "this new Moose's will be a neighborhood spot - we want our guests to come in on a Monday AND Saturday, not just on their anniversary." West will manage operations in the Bar and the Dining Room, as well as contribute a new line of specialty cocktails.

Moose's is located at 1652 Stockton. Dinner service nightly from 5:30pm - 10:00pm. Brunch will be served on Sundays from 10:30am - 2:30pm. Live music offered Sunday through Wednesday; check the website for full entertainment listings. Valet parking available. Reservations can be made by calling 415.989.7800 or www.mooses.com.

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