The estimable Ms. Tablehopper scores an exclusive sneak peek at Namu Gaji today, which will be opening at the well-trafficked corner of 18th and Dolores on March 31. As she reports, the design of the place “was inspired by traditional Korean homes, featuring beautiful wood beams, custom metalwork, oak floors, and handmade Japanese tiles in the kitchen.” There’s a prominent sculptural redwood branch, stained black, over the center of the room (“gaji” means “branch”), and the design was done by Brian Ford, who previously helped with Alice Waters’ and Michael Pollan’s home libraries.* Chef Dennis Lee and brothers David and Dan will be bringing their mom out from Massachusetts and their aunt from Korea for the opening, and we should have some menu details for you next week. But in the meantime, see all the pretty preview photos. [Tablehopper, Earlier]