888 Brannan. Photo: The Chronicle/ Siana Hristova
Ryan McIlwraith. Photo: Aubrie Pick
The Absinthe Group — which operates Absinthe, Boxing Room, Arlequin and Comstock Saloon — has chosen a name for its next project, set in SoMa’s 888 Brannan building.
As you may recall, the ambitious 200-seat restaurant and bar will take a Spanish tilt, with food from Coqueta vet Ryan McIlwraith.
Drum roll, please: It will be named Bellota.
Owner Bill Russell-Shapiro says the team combed through hundreds of Spanish words, and settled on “bellota” — the word for “acorns,” a reference to the acorns eaten by the famous Iberico pigs. Along with McIlwraith, Bellota will be led by general manager Tracy Smith (formerly of Foreign Cinema) and barmen Jeff Hollinger and Jonny Raglin.
Bellota is anticipated to arrive late 2015 or early 2016.
· Previously: Absinthe Group looks to Spain for its forthcoming restaurant at 888 Brannan [Inside Scoop]
