Antoinette, the East Bay's first offering from Dominique Crenn opens today, offering an endlessly gorgeous vista of San Francisco and the Bay. And given the restaurant's nod to a certain French royal with a flair for the luxurious, the interior doesn't disappoint. It's all part of Crenn's master plan to make hotel dining elegant again, and it's well on the way.
The sleek French brasserie is located in the newly renovated Claremont Club & Spa, in the space formerly occupied by Paragon. As part of the revamped 100-year-old hotel, Antoinette is a gleaming take on the brasserie style, full of light wood and modern lighting fixtures. For those interested in the inner workings of the restaurant, grab a seat at the high-top tables and booths located directly in front of the open kitchen, where chef de cuisine Justin Mauz is at work. A private dining room is available, partitioned by an impossibly heavy sound-muting curtain and flanked by the wine cellar. And best of all, there's a patio overlooking the Bay, perfect for sunny East Bay brunching.
Expect a brasserie menu (sample menu here) that's heavy on seafood and French classics. Petit Crenn wine director Courtney Humiston consulted on the beverages, which are composed of French and California wines with plenty of Champagne; cocktails skew classic. It is officially open for dinner service tonight (February 9), though it will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner very soon.
