The Keystone Plots a Mid-August Opening in The Mosser Hotel

After departing Sachin Chopra's ill-fated Game (which has now transitioned to All Spice) earlier this year, Zack Freitas seemed to be taking a break from the kitchen, or at least planning his next move. Now he's popped back up as chef of an upcoming tavern-style restaurant, The Keystone, which is slated to replace Annabelle's Bar & Bistro in the bottom of The Mosser Hotel in mid-August.

The new restaurant will offer a contemporary "Bay Area-inspired" menu, with plays on American classics. Dishes like prosciutto-wrapped prosciutto with sauerkraut, breadcrumbs and strawberry mustard and a tart with goat cheese, English peas, mushrooms and quinoa are on the roster, alongside a beverage program from Beverage Director Kelly Naughton. A bucketload of whiskeys, rye and Scotch will be on hand, as well as a selection of California wines, and 20 beers on tap. Of course there will be craft cocktails, including a Porcini Negroni that sounds particularly intriguing, featuring porcini-infused gin.

The interior, designed by D-scheme Studio (Mandarin Oriental), features a a bar with an 18-seat chef's counter, open kitchen and private dining room; the main seating area will include a big, reclaimed wood communal table for 12. The idea is a modern tavern aesthetic, with big tufted-leather banquettes and lots of the historic building's original fixtures, like original Edwardian crown moldings. They're currently slated for a mid-August opening, so stay tuned for more details along the way.