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Alex Smith and Kate Bolton Opening Huge New Bar, Novela, in Former Fluid Space

The chevron floor.
The chevron floor. Photo: Facebook

Two local bar stars, Alex Smith (formerly of Gitane and Emeryvile’s Honor Bar) and Kate Bolton (Maven, and formerly of Wexler’s) are working on a big new project called Novela, as Eater reports today. It’s going into the former Fluid Ultra Lounge (662 Mission Street), a 3,500-square-foot space that’s getting a major redesign by Harlot designer Jacek Ostoya of L.A.’s Gold Grenade. Much like the new Osso Steakhouse, there is a black-and-white chevron floor, and there will be bookshelves throughout the space, given the theme of the name, which is Spanish for “novel.” Smith will run the bar (meaning, we believe, that Bolton is remaining in the employ of Maven), but both collaborated on the cocktail program, which will include a menu of traditional punches. Allegedly, they’re hoping to open before June, within three weeks. Stay tuned. [Eater]

Alex Smith and Kate Bolton Opening Huge New Bar, Novela, in Former Fluid Space