The Big Reveal On Drake: SoMa's Next "Gastro Lounge"

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• This booth sits to the right, just beyond the entrance. It will actually be covered in a royal blue, crushed velvet.

Until now, details have been sparse on Drake, the new project coming to the 9,000-square-foot behemoth that used to house E-Falk's Orson. But now, partner Kingston Wu is ready to share lots of juicy details on what's to come. In a word: this will be a "gastro lounge," sporting a very ritzy remodel of the industrial-feeling space, along with a menu of approachable fare, similar to what's served at Wu's other investment, The Brixton in Cow Hollow.

Designer Alan Tse, who did the W Hotel's remodel with Stanley Saitowitz, has sectioned out the interior into various lounges and eating areas. The huge circular bar remains as the major focal point, but now it's dressed up with eight chandeliers overhead, textured tufting around the base, and edgy ceiling tiles lining the entire back wall. "We kept coming back to the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas as inspiration," adds Wu. Further points of interest include a pink Murano-style chandelier above the entrance, a moving mural, royal blue tufted circular booths and a "whimsical" bathroom with a dove mural on the ceiling. [Update: Tse adds that another big driver in the design was Orson's circular bar. He mimicked its curves with curvy booth seating, chandeliers, and lounge tables]

Food-wise, the chef is still in the works, and the menu won't roll out until January. Wu wants to serve heavy appetizers and desserts inspired by childhood. Think pigs in a blanket, flatbread pizzas, s'mores, and IT's-ITs, all "stepped up a notch" for adults. The drinks program will eventually fall in step with a "fun" vibe—there might even be frozen drinks and some wines on-tap.

If you're itching to see Drake, it will open for a few hours on Friday night for a viewing of the space in its near-complete form. The official soft opening sans food will come soon thereafter, and a full-fledged grand opening, with all the bells and whistles, is expected soon after New Year's Day.

· All Orson Coverage [~ ESF ~]
· All The Brixton Coverage [~ ESF ~]