Sondra’s big adventure
Never one to be daunted by an unforeseen challenge, Sondra Bernstein, owner and operator of the Girl and the Fig, has big plans for her newest venture, Suite D. Part catering kitchen, part event space and all chic, Suite D embodies just another of Bernstein’s ideas come to reality.
Bernstein’s popular restaurant, Estate, housed in the historic home once owned by General Mariano Vallejo’s daughter, is set to close at the end of September, following the purchase of the building by Darius Anderson, owner of the adjacent Ramekins Culinary School and Event Center.
Since the sale, Bernstein has decided to channel her significant energies into Suite D and other to-be-determined ventures. “While we’re sad to see Estate come to an end, we’re excited about our new opportunities,” said Bernstein. While she and Executive Chef and Managing Partner John Toulze don’t have any specific plans to move Estate to another location, they do say that their exploration of rustic Italian cuisine won’t end with the closing of the restaurant and are excited about possible “pop-up” dinners featuring some favorites from the Estate menu.
About Suite D, the new multi-purpose culinary event space located in the Eighth Street Wineries complex, Bernstein is particularly excited. The 2,000 square foot warehouse space has been completely retooled with rustic reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, and moveable lighting that gives the venue a fun and funky vibe perfect for all sorts of functions including dinners, cooking classes, bridal and baby showers, movie nights in conjunction with Movie Starz and much more.
This weekend, Bernstein will hold her second ‘Sunday Supper’ for 35 people – as part of a ‘reward’ for backers taking part in a Kickstarter fundraising effort that helped raise money for the new space. Bernstein has 30 such parties to cater as a result.
“Each event will be different so it’s really nice to have a space that we can change and make work for whatever we need and bring in food and staff accordingly. We’re excited.”
Check out Suite D this weekend during the Eighth Street Wineries open house. Sondra and crew will be providing box lunches while they last. For more information visit Suite D on Facebook.
