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Step Inside Violet’s, Inviting the Richmond for Seafood Dinner and Drinks

The Fiorella folks have a new reason to stay out

The team behind neighborhood Italian haunt Fiorella is back at it with Violet’s, a new reason to stay out a little later in the Richmond. The bar and tavern at 2301 Clement (at 24th Avenue) opens Thursday, June 21, sporting a deep blue color palette a few shades from its namesake and with several purple cocktails courtesy of creme de violette.

For Violet’s, partners Boris Nemchenok and Brandon Gillis again commissioned designer Melinda Turner, who made a serious splash with the photogenic interiors at Fiorella. At the new tavern, she’s brought in more eye-catching wallpaper from Brooklyn’s Flavor Paper — but this time, it’s on the ceiling. A dark blue and gold peacock-marbled pattern looks down over part of the dining room, including some very prime booth seating. And there’s another striking design feature hanging above that booth: A globe lantern made from capiz oyster shells.

That element is apropos of Violet’s menu, which emphasizes seafood like East and West Coast oysters, shrimp louie rolls, and chilled lobster crudo. Fiorella chef Dante Cecchini is behind the menu (which is here in full) and includes bar snacks like devils on horseback (dates, bacon, and gorgonzola), homemade Chex mix, and his popular burger from Fiorella, which is migrating over to the new spot. Bar Consultant Patrick Poelvoorde’s (Park Tavern, Benjamin Cooper) is behind the cocktail list, while Nemchenok himself picked the eclectic wine list.

Violet’s arrives on the scene just after Pearl, another Richmond newcomer with seafood and drinks from the Pizzetta 211 team. All in all, it’s never been a better time to shoot back oysters with good drinks in the area.

A deep blue banquette, as designed by Melinda Turner

A globe lantern made from capiz oyster shells
A seafood platter from chef Dante Cecchini
A Negroni Mi Amore (Tree Craft gin, Junipero gin, St. George Terroir gin, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Allessio Vermouth Chinato, Campari on nitro tap)
A spindrift cobbler (Riesling, lime, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, salted nori syrup, lim bitters)
The wraparound walnut bar with a Stolen Tart cocktail (Tree Craft gin, Christian Drouin calvados, rosemary, house-made raspberry cordial, lemon, bolivar bitters, club soda)
A spread of dishes at Violet’s
A tavern burger (double patty, cheddar, bacon, spicy house sauce, pickles, shredded lettuce)
A caesar salad at Violet’s

‘90s style Warm chocolate ganache cake

Fried chicken with cheddar biscuits, macaroni salad, and “hot honey”
Bottles at the bar at Violet’s
A violet skies cocktail (Del Amigo Mezcal, Equatorial gin, Venturo strawberry brandy, Kalani coconut liqueur, Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette, lemon)

Starting Thursday, June 21, is open for cocktails and dinner Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A weekday happy hour is available from 5 to 6 p.m. A weekend daytime menu is ahead.

Violet's

2301 Clement Street, , CA 94121 (415) 682-4861 Visit Website

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