Here we have our first look behind the scenes at Domo, the traditional sushi joint by Luke and Kitty Sung of Isa. Arrival date is still set for mid to late March, and from the looks of things at Laguna and Linden, we'd say the place is going to be exactly how they described it back in the fall: small space heavy in bar seating, a sushi counter, ~20 seats, room for a just few tables and a good amount of wood.
· More on Domo: "You Will See a Lot of Wood" [~ESF~]
· Mystery Plywood: Spotted in Hayes Valley [~ESF~]
Nearly a month ago, Hayes Valley pedestrians wondered about Domo, the mysterious "Isabelle & Christopher Inc" project taking over the space at 511 Laguna Street on the corner of Linden. Not long thereafter, it was revealed to be a Japanese restaurant from Luke and Kitty Sung of Isa. According to the Sungs, Domo will be a traditional sushi establishment with about 20 seats. The design is still a work in progress but in going for a casual vibe, they do know that "you will see a lot of wood." Unlike at Isa, the Sungs will be more involved in the operational side of things, letting Ku Wa of Millbrae's Osho run chef duties. As for the decision to branch into the ever-developing Hayes Valley, Kitty Sung says it was an easy choice, given the "vibrant" neighborhood. Hear that, Hayes Valley? You're vibrant.
· Isa [Official Site]
· Mystery Plywood: Spotted in Hayes Valley [~ESF~]
· Plywood Update: And Thus Concludes A Pair of Mysteries [~ESF~]
We've got much more plywood later today, but for now, satiate your curiosity with a pair of updates from past reports.
1) Hayes Valley: Last week, a reader sent in a picture of an unknown restaurant in the works on Laguna Street. The only clues were the establishment's name ("Domo") and the (seemingly) anonymous owners, Christopher and Isabelle, Inc. Soon thereafter, another reader chimed in with the answer: "Isabelle and Christopher, Inc.? Oh, yay! Isabelle and Christopher, Inc. are Luke and Kitty Sung of Isa (on Steiner)." So there you have it: readers helping readers. 511 Laguna Street, at Linden [Eater Comments]
2) SoMa: More details are trickling in about the upcoming Local Kitchen and Wine Merchant from Ola Fendert (Oola, Chez Papa). A long, 30' communal table will be involved (required for any new eatery these days), as will a host of organic wines and local, sustainable produce (also required). Truffle-parmesan fries are an eye-catcher on the menu. And yes, we have confirmation of the wood-burning oven. The anticipated opening date is somewhere around the third week of October. 330 First Street, between Folsom and Harrison [Eater Inbox]
