Monaghan's Out, Heath Nuts In at Brick Yard in Cow Hollow

The real owners of The Brick Yard Bar & Restaurant, coming to Union St. on June 5, stood up yesterday and told us Sharon and David Newell of Monaghan's are not involved in the project. It turns out the landlord at 1767 Union didn't think the Newell's concept would "gel" with the neighborhood. And that's when Darren Matte, who's also a partner in Kelley's Tavern (KT's) stepped in with 5 others (some of whom are involved with Wells Fargo, which is helpful). Judging from the PR speak, they're targeting a hot and healthy crowd, quite different from Bayside's: "Located only blocks from several gyms and fitness studios -- Crunch, Aha Yoga, Pad Studios, Body Work SF, Bar Method -- the Brick Yard entices those looking for a post-workout bite by offering guilt-free happy hour items." And our conversation with the publicist made it sound like it's going to be some sort of upscale Cheers neighborhood spot, albeit with outdoor patio, huge dining area, 30-ft custom-made bar and flat screen HD TVs.

Chef Aaron Little's resume starts with 6 years of work with The Thomas Keller Restaurant Group in both New York and California. He was also the private dining sous chef for Jan Birnbaum at Epic Roasthouse and most recently was the executive sous chef at The Lake Chalet. All this explains the lack of buffalo wings on the menu, which -- save for one quail app and a chorizio-topped pizza -- is looking like your standard global cuisine lineup. But look! Sliders!

Soups
Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheesy Crostini
Hearty Chicken with Spring Vegetables

Salads
Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad
Butter Lettuce with Lemon Vinaigrette and Vanilla Poached Pears
Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Appetizers
Apple Wood Smoked Quail with Plum and Black Pepper Chutney and Couscous
Cilantro and Garlic Marinated Shrimp with Grilled Corn Relish
Hummus with Fresh Pita and Mediterranean Salad

Sliders
Ahi Tuna Melt with Fresh Tomato and Gruyere Cheese
Pulled Pork with Salsa Verde
Sharp Cheddar and Chutney

Entrees
Grilled Ahi Tuna with Spring Onions, Living Watercress and Sauce Pepperinade
Marinated Hanger Steak with Pomes Frits
Seared Halibut with a Mushroom and Corn Ragu and Grilled Asparagus
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken, Prosciutto Wrapped with Spring Bean Salad and Natural Jus
Vegetarian Pasta with Pesto Sauce Pine Nuts and Spring Veggies
Mustard Bourbon Brined Bone-In Pork Chop with Sautéed Spinach and Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Pizzas
Chorizo and Queso Fresco with Egg and Tomato Relish
Basil Pesto Chicken and Feta
Mushroom and Béchamel
Fig Prosciutto and Watercress with Shaved Parmesan

Sides
Sweet Potato Gratin
Pommes Frits
Grilled Asparagus
Cheese Plate

· Brick Yard Bar & Restaurant: The Latest in Union St. Plywood [~ ESF ~]
· Plywood Report: Cow Hollow Extra [~ ESF ~]
· Comebacks: Bayside Space Claimed By Monaghan's Folks [~ ESF ~]