Rajat Parr, Mina Group to Expand with The Company Bar & Kitchen
The former Shanghai 1930 space on Steuart Street near the Embarcadero has a new tenant – Mina Group sommelier Rajat Parr is collaborating with a lifelong friend on The Company Bar & Kitchen.
The restaurant’s concept will be a casual, high-energy bar and restaurant serving creative, East Indies-inspired cocktails, with a focused wine list and an array of Indian small plates.
Build out for the project is now underway with Los Angeles-based AK Design Network leading the design for the project, which has a projected opening date of summer 2013.
Parr said this has been a longtime dream for him. While he now focuses mainly on wine as wine director for the Mina Group, he also has an extensive culinary background. While the future executive chef’s identity has not yet been released, the pair have been close friends since their days at the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
“Patric Yumul (president of the Mina Group) and I have been dreaming up the details for The Company Bar & Kitchen for the past few years and we’re thrilled that construction is finally underway,” Parr said. “This project will be a very energetic bar and restaurant that will add new flavor and flair to Steuart Street’s impressive beverage and culinary line-up.”
A deeper look at the concept – the menu is expected to feature a wide selection of shareable plates blending classic Indian flavors and techniques with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients from the Bay Area. Cocktails will play off the cuisine and pull inspiration from the tastes of the East Indies, with a focus on gin and whiskey as base spirits. Parr will be in charge of the wine list, highlighting Syrahs and Rieslings from around the world. Craft beers will also be a part of the beverage program.
The space will be nearly 5,200 square feet and be able to accommodate 130 seated guests. The restaurant will keep many of the current features, but with a bit more of an open and spacious feel. It will be separated into two different rooms: the first will feature a bar and lounge, the second will be the main dining room with plenty of views of the open kitchen.
Stay tuned, more details in the coming year. The Company Bar & Kitchen will be located at 133 Steuart Street between Mission and Howard.
Photo Credit: Mina Group
