Bottle Shop and Cafe From Homage Team Expands to California Street

Homage, the two-year-old Financial District cafe whose menu rotates with the seasons, will soon expand to 214 California Street. Chef-owner David Kurtz is planning a cozy cafe and bottle shop as an extension of his larger restaurant, tucked into the alley at 88 Hardie Place.

Though about half the size of the original, the smaller Homage will pack a punch in a neighborhood used to sit-down lunches at neighboring restaurants like Michael Mina, Perbacco, and Tadich Grill.

There’ll be fewer seats than at Homage, but plenty of soups, salads, and sandwiches to take out. Kurtz, former chef-partner at Maven, says that the menu will reflect the seasons similarly to Homage, which partners with a different farm each month to showcase its produce. Right now, the menu is a partnership with Fifth Crow Farms, featuring dishes like freshly Rolled potato-Parmesan gnocchi with late summer corn puree, Jimmy Nardello peppers, seared mushrooms, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.

“The farm dictates the direction, but we have our own ideas,” says Kurtz. “We seek out farms that have ingredients that are available at that point.”

The restaurant also has a small mill for milling fresh flours for bread, all of which is baked in house with the exception of pastries and some larger loaves from Firebrand Bakery. Coffee from Red Bay and Verve, tea from Five Mountains, beer, sake, and low proof cocktails will also be on offer. As for wine, the cafe will save space for bottles to drink in, or take out. Kurtz, also a certified sommelier, promises an exciting selection of premier cru and grand cru selections, too.

“I’m done with top tier fine-dining,” says Kurtz, whose background includes time at Coi, Michael Mina, and Aziza. “We want to be the answer to casual versions of these fine dining restaurants.”

Along those lines, the interior will mirror the cozy interior of Homage — also designed by Gi Paoletti Design Lab — with rustic wood, toile, and curated artwork lining the walls. At 30-40 seats it’s small but not tiny — diners can expect some outside seating, too.

While Homage serves dinner, the cafe at 214 California Street will serve breakfast and lunch, then wine and beer from 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. It’s expected to open in early 2019.

• Tour Homage, the Financial District’s Newest Inspired Lunch Option [ESF]
• Homage [Official]