Saint Martha, A Shoebox Wine Bar Debuting in Koreatown

Grid View

Peer into Saint Martha, the rather diminutive and charming wine bar from Peter and Ellen Picataggio (Farmer's Daughter, TART); Jim Hustead; and Nick Erven (Mess Hall and current chef of TART). Opening some time in mid June in the heart of Koreatown, in the former Isa Ramen slot in an old strip mall, it's possibly one of the most unsung openings of the year. Featuring 50 wines and bottles by the glass (a feature thanks to Coravin) curated by sommelier and GM Mary Thompson, the global small plates menu by Erven will also range a tasting menu.

Think lamb loin with buckwheat mole and braised chicken with figs and vadouvan. The entire place has a sort of Pearl & Ash or perhaps chic San Francisco/Portland restaurant slipped into a tiny space in the Mission or Pearl District.

Boasting a mere 38 seats, plus a few more overlooking the bar, Saint Martha, named after the patron saint of cooks and servants, was designed in conjunction with BAM design. With dark blue hues, vintage painting (with some customizations), brushed concrete, and modern furniture, it's quite possible that this will feel like the next hideaway for diners looking for something other than Korean food in this area.
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