Previews

Mason Pacific Set to Open in May in the Former Lalola Space

The former Lalola at 1358 Mason Street.
The former Lalola at 1358 Mason Street. Photo: Courtesy of Lalola

We heard a hint about this last fall, and it looks like the former Lalola space at the corner of Mason and Pacific will indeed become a new restaurant called, simply, Mason Pacific. The release arrived this a.m. saying it will be a seasonally driven neighborhood bistro with a menu by former Rose Pistola chef Sean McTiernan (who’s also worked in the kitchens of Delfina and Joel Robuchon’s La Table in Paris). The Russian Hill space, which was once a pharmacy and later a Chinese restaurant, seats just 24 and has gotten a refresh with leather banquettes and bistro chairs. Owner Jay Thomson says that though the inspiration for the place doesn’t come from any one restaurant, “I wanted to recreate the journey of going to a neighborhood spot just because it was convenient, and being happily surprised by how good the food was and thrilled to discover a gem on the wine list at a reasonable price.” And you can expect a sophisticated wine list via former RN74 sommelier Eric Railsback, including an ample by-the-glass selection, carafe wines custom made for the restaurant by Copain, and “aged classics from Thomson’s personal collection, ranging from 1970’s California Cabernets to traditional Grand Cru bottlings from Burgundy.” The opening is set for sometime in May.

Mason Pacific Set to Open in May in the Former Lalola Space