Dom Crenn's Dream Project, Atelier Crenn Opens Friday

Grid View

• A substantial cheese cart will sit in the central room divider visable here on the right.
• See the serene setting created by nature-inspired color tones inspired and wood twigs woven into the lighting and ceiling.
• Fig trees create dramatic shading and a connection to nature in the rear dining area.
• These sconces were custom-designed by Dylan Kehde Roelofs of Portland.
• Walls are adorned with original works of art painted by Dominique's late father Alain Crenn, who also serves as her ongoing inspiration for the restaurant.

Atelier Crenn, the solo project from criticly adored chef Dominique Crenn, is set to open this Friday for dinner service. Last night industry insiders like David Kinch, Melissa Perello and Jeremy Fox filled the dining room you see in the gallery above, noshing on duck consomme and sweetbreads at a pre-opening celebration. Fun details on the design can be found in the gallery captions.

And we ask you to peruse the opening menu. Know that Crenn usually composes a poem before writing all menus and is sourcing just over half of her ingredients from the small Gouge Eye farm she helped rebuild outside Sacramento. With each dish, she aims to create a connection between her diner and the source. Kitchen staff are encouraged to interact in the dining room and the use of foraged soil and river stones in the cooking process will help complete the circle. As Gouge Eye ramps up in the warmer months ahead, expect more unusual, exotic ingredients like Iraqi watermelons and peacock to feature more and more prominently on the plates. Reservation lines are open.

· All Previous Dominique Crenn Coverage [~ ESF ~]
· Chef Dominique Crenn, farmer work from ground up [ISSF]