Nicolette Manescalchi. [Photo via Le Marais]
Le Marais Bakery's plans to expand into its neighboring space and become Le Marais Bistro and Bakery are continuing apace, and they've brought on a team of high-powered female chefs as they gun for a mid-June opening, with dinner service to follow in July. Tablehopper reports that the newest member of the bistro's team is executive chef Nicolette Manescalchi, an A16 vet who worked her way up from line cook to executive sous chef, and most recently helped to manage the opening of the restaurant's Rockridge location.
Head pastry chef Emily Riddell has been at Le Marais since March, and comes off stints at Philadelphia restaurants like Brasserie Perrier, Le Bec-Fin and The Mildred. Since arriving at Le Marais, she's focused on farm-fresh fruits in developing a menu of tarts, macarons, panna cottas, cakes and more.
Also new to the project is head baker Kate Mooring, who previously worked at Della Fattoria Bakery in Petaluma and started Parkside Bakery in Stinson Beach. She's also held pastry assistant positions at Boulevard, Ubuntu and A16, and comes ready to serve up hearty organic bread once the bistro debuts.
The space is moving ahead nicely, 45 planned seats inside and 10 more at sidewalk seating for the requisite Marina activity of people-watching. We'll keep you posted once we know more about menu, hours and opening dates.
· All-Female Team at Le Marais, Le Marais Bistro Getting Close [Tablehopper]
· Le Marais, Baking Up the Marina [~ ESF ~]
· Le Marais Bakery Gets Savory Chef and Menu [~ ESF ~]