Empire Building

Aquitaine, a New Wine Bar From Laurent Manrique, Coming to Former John Walker Space

Chef Laurent Manrique
Chef Laurent Manrique Photo: Courtesy of Laurent Manrique

Speaking of chef Laurent Manrique — who won’t be hosting the Taste & Tribute dinner tonight at the Four Seasons because he’s in Monaco for the big Alain Ducasse event we told you about, and who continutes to operate two wine bars (Blanc et Rouge and Rouge et Blanc) downtown — this morning brings news of a new project coming to 175 Sutter Street. Manrique and two partners are opening Aquitaine, another wine bar, in the space that formerly was home to fancy liquor store John Walker & Co. The liquor license app appeared this a.m., and the Scoop gets some clarification. Manrique is actually growing his wine bar empire in both San Francisco and New York, and the menu at Aquitaine will be more than just cheese and paté — there will also be some hot food, with classic dishes from his home region of Gascony, like cassoulet and confit de canard. Look for it to open by spring. [ABC, Scoop]

Aquitaine, a New Wine Bar From Laurent Manrique, Coming to Former John Walker