Previews

Bambuddha Lounge Replacement Gets a Chef, Opening Date

Photo: Courtesy of the Phoenix Hotel

There’s still no name decided for the aforementioned “edgy gastro-lounge” moving into the Bambuddha space at the Phoenix Hotel from the former owners of Wish, but today Tablehopper checks in on the project and finds that they’ve hired a chef: Trevor Ogden of Mission Beach Café. He’ll be leaving his current post as of February 12 (his chef de cuisine Ron Silverberg will take over), and the food at the new place will be small-plates and New American focused, which basically leaves it anyone’s guess at this point. There’ll be just dinner to start, with a poolside brunch added later in the year. Furthermore, co-owner Sean Manchester elaborates on the rock-and-roll concept, saying it’s going to be “irreverent and iconoclastic, with an eclectic style that’s a bit ‘stately rocker’ … ‘Imagine if Steve Tyler bought a historical mansion and moved in.’).

Think 70s barstools upholstered in reptile, Louis XIV-period reproduction settees with black-on-black cowhide… “lots of leather, and wood (including dark wood flooring), and a Carrara marble bar.”

They’re now aiming for an April 15 soft opening, and as we noted earlier, the design will be from Charles Doell of Mister Important Design, who’s known around here for designing Gitane.


Details on What’s Going Into the Former Bambuddha Lounge [Tablehopper]
Earlier: Wish Owners Bring ‘Edgy Gastro-Lounge’ to Former Bambuddha Space [Grub Street]

Bambuddha Lounge Replacement Gets a Chef, Opening Date