SF: The Rambler Restaurant Opens With Ravishing Reception

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

While new restaurants open in San Francisco on a weekly basis, rarely do they debut with a flashy party attended by some of the city’s most well-known movers and shakers. But that was the case earlier this week when tastemakers came together to celebrate the premiere of The Rambler, a new restaurant from Hat Trick Hospitality Group. Andy Wasserman, Hugo Gamboa, and Adam Snyder are the team behind Marina hot spot The Brixton—as well as Sabrosa and Redford. Located in the Hotel Zeppelin, in the space that was home to Wolfgang Puck’s famed Postrio, The Rambler is a large stylish watering hole with two distinct rooms each with their own bar. Postrio’s original pizza oven is on display and separates the brasserie from the dining room.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Lori Yeomans designed the two spaces with distinct elements. In front, there is a more relaxed vibe with patterned concrete tiles, bubble glass chandeliers, and warm woods. The larger dining room space has an exposed brick wall, booth seating, gallery wall with various prints and illustrations, and a small bookshelf dedicated to Wolfgang Puck with his vintage cookbooks and a framed portrait. There is also a four-seat specialty bar, that is sure to be the hottest seat in the eatery on any given night, with a zinc bar top and large mirrored back. The entire place feels like a chic slightly masculine clubhouse.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Chef Robert Leva, formerly of Auberge du Soleil and Redd, is in the kitchen. Although the menu has yet to be finalized, at the opening party a handful of delicious bites were served. The mushroom toast, a grilled cheese-like sandwich with mushrooms and truffles, was to die for. Oysters on the half shell were served with lemon wedges, tangy cocktail sauce, and pink salt crystals. The burger with bacon jam and perfectly melted cheese was sensational. Diners can expect American fare with Italian tendencies—there will be pizza, charcuterie, and mains like sea bass with shelling beans and beef short rib with creamed spinach. The seasonal cocktail list features unique concoctions made with fresh-pressed juice and house-made tinctures. The Grape Expectations, with Singani 63, curaçao, concord grapes, and tarragon was delightful—and almost too easy to drink.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The opening party was hosted by Trevor and Alexis Traina and Vanessa Getty. Many of their friends, like Allison Speer and Katie Traina, came to the fete. Our favorite designer Jay Jeffers and stylist Mary Gonsalves Kinney were also there. Other notable attendees included Kaitlyn Krieger, Kathryn Lasater, Erin Lownberg, Charlie Spalding, Erin Martin, and Jennifer Biederbeck.