/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38881656/luella.0.jpg)
The Luella that was. [Photo: Thomas Hawk/Flickr]
Though the dust has barely settled on the news of Luella's impending closure, the space already has a new tenant: Stones Throw. Inside Scoop got wind of the project, which comes from Fat Angel owners Jason Kirmse and Cyrick Hia, along with former Michael Mina general manager Ryan Cole.
The new restaurant's chef will be Jason Halverson, a former executive sous chef at Mina, and Tai Ricci, another Mina alum, will helm front-of-house operations. The team's mixed backgrounds embody the experience that Stones Throw is aiming for: the vibe of an approachable neighborhood spot like Fat Angel, blended with Mina's fine-dining ethos.
Substance, quality and value will be the cornerstones of the new space, which will seek to take up Luella's mantle as a solid neighborhood option, serving nearby residents and destination diners alike. The idea is to offer a space to both enjoy a casual beer at the bar or sit down for a full meal. The team hinted that restaurants like Nopa and Frances will serve as menu inspiration for the new spot, so look out for a take on seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine of some sort. The opening target is sometime in the fall.
·Stones Throw to replace Luella in Russian Hill [Inside Scoop]
·Luella to Close August 31 [~ ESF ~]