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SAN
FRANCISCO—September 1, 2004—This month the Cliff
House renews 140 years of dining history with the grand re-opening of
the restored 1909 structure. Perched on spectacular cliffs overlooking
the Pacific Ocean, the Cliff House is one of the crown jewels of San
Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The new Sutro Wing opened September 10. It is attached to the 1909 building,
which has been extensively renovated to restore the original neo-classical
architecture. The entire facility will be open by the end of September.
The Cliff House boasts a dramatic new look and expanded access to the
breathtaking views that has been a magnet for locals and visitors from
around the world since 1863. The re-opening will mark the end of a dedicated
effort and $19 million renovation begun in January 2003. The renovation
of the Cliff House has been a joint undertaking of the restaurant owners
and the National Park Service. Grand Opening festivities are slated
for October 19.
The new Sutro Wing houses an amazing two-story main dining room called
Sutro's, with stunning panoramic ocean views. An expanded
menu by chef de cuisine, Patrick Clark, features a strong emphasis on
seafood and organically grown products.
The 1909 structure now becomes the Cliff House Bistro,
served by chef de cuisine Patrick Hughes, and includes the Terrace Room,
a 140 seat private dining room. In addition the Bistro features
an elegant zinc bar.
Executive Chef Kevin Weber, who has been at the Cliff House for 27 years,
oversees all food preparations.
Some of Cliff House history can be seen in the more than 200 autographed
pictures of dignitaries and movie stars, newly framed, and on display
for public viewing in the Cliff House Bistro.
VP of Operations Ralph Burgin notes, “The Cliff House has always
been a symbol of historic San Francisco. In keeping with our tradition,
we plan to have menu offerings for everyone from hamburgers in the bistro
to Kobe Beef at Sutro’s,”
Architect C. David Robinson of San Francisco has been responsible for
the design and renovation. Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean
are emphasized in both the neo-classical design of the restored 1909
structure and the soaring modernist space of the new wing. Skylights
and grand picture windows accentuate natural light in all public spaces.
Robinson used primarily natural materials—concrete, copper, slate
and glass—to blend the new building into the scenic coastline.
At Sutro's, the ceiling of steel beams recall the Sutro Bath ceiling,
establishing a connection between the past and the present. “The
26,000 sq. ft. restoration brings back both the character and the dignity
of the historic Cliff House,” says Robinson. The upgrade provides
for needed seismic retrofitting, and adds three outdoor observation
decks, with stunning southern, northern and western views. A passenger
elevator from the sidewalk to the Cliff Terrace and all observation
decks affords full accessibility for disabled persons.
Dan and Mary Hountalas have been the proprietors of the Cliff House
for 31 years. Hountalas said that with the renovation unveiled
discoveries including a marble staircase and part of the original carriage
road from 1914 which is now a walkway around the property.
The Cliff House is located at 1090 Point Lobos, the western-most point
of the GGNRA’s historic Sutro district. It is open
seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Bistro, in
Sutro's, lunch and dinner will be served.
A Champagne Buffet is be offered every Sunday in the Terrace Room.
Free parking on street or nearby in the El Camino del Mar and Merrie
Way parking lots. Information, call (415) 386-3330 for reservations
or visit opentable.com. For more information visit www.cliffhouse.com.
For further information on the renovation or to obtain digital photographs,
visit www.cdrobinson.com.
For further information on the National Park Service visit www.nps.gov/goga.
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