Oysters, Foie Gras, and Caviar Headline the Menu at Petit Marlowe

Petit Marlowe is bringing an touch of glamour to the SoMa space previously occupied by wine bar Les Clos (234 Townsend Street). It’s the fifth opening from Big Night Restaurant Group (Park Tavern, Marlowe, Leo’s Oyster Bar), conveniently located around the corner from it’s big sister, Marlowe. The oysterette will debut next week (Friday, June 23) with a full raw bar, menu of wine-friendly dishes, and an emphasis on French wines.

And, it is petite indeed, with just 49 seats for consuming oysters and wine. Big Night’s go-to designer Ken Fulk (his design of Leo’s Oyster Bar won an Eater award in 2016) has collaborated with restaurateur Anna Weinberg on the restaurant’s interior, channeling French-bistro vibes. The two raided Paris flea markets for much of the decor, which is very vintage. (Stay tuned for photos and more details.)

Meanwhile, Big Night partner and chef Jennifer Puccio has assembled a menu of light, European dishes like escargot, cured fish, cheese and charcuterie, and a variety of both deviled eggs and tartares (which include scallop, beet, and beef). For a richer bite, the foie gras and jam tartine, which is warm torchon served on baguette with apricot-chili jam, is a decadent take on the rustic open-faced sandwich— sharing is optional.

At the raw bar, oysters span the West and East Coasts, alongside caviar served with sieved egg, shallots, creme fraiche, and brioche toast points. Crudos are offered in both “bite” and “appetizer” format, a pleasing option given the nature of sharing with others (or not). (Check out the full menu below.)

Pastry chef Emily Luchetti has come up with a list of sweets that leans heavily on wine, including a rosé ice cream collaboration with Scribe Winery and Smitten Ice cream, using Scribe’s Una Lou Rosé.

Wines are full-French, a small list of interesting offerings that are a little more eclectic from wine director Jennifer Gomez. Many bottles will be available for half portions, a rare option that makes it much easier to taste through a list. Dry ciders, Champagne, and sparkling wines round it out.

Starting June 23, Petit Marlowe will open Monday through Wednesday from 4 p.m.- 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; closed Sundays.

• Marlowe Team to Transform Les Clos Space Into Chic Parisian Wine and Raw Bar [ESF]
• Petit Marlowe [Official Site]