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There's a new multi-faceted food destination now open in Hollywood. The Mercantile comes from the business mind of relocated New Yorker George Abou-Daoud (Bowery, Mission Cantina and Delancey), who describes the restaurant as "equal parts gourmet marketplace, daytime café and nighttime wine bar." In the kitchen is Chef Kris Morningstar, most recently of DTLA's Casa, who helped the modern Mexican eatery get on its feet before announcing an amicable split calculated to prep him for his new gig in Hollywood.
Mercantile hosted a soft-launch friends-and-family event last Thursday night, and gave their guests a sneak peek at items from their menu of charcuterie, sandwiches, and other artisanal-styled classics. Just a few weeks away is the launch of District, a sort of companion restaurant more than a little tied to The Mercantile; once again it's Abou-Daoud and Morningstar behind the scenes, and it's located right next door. Look for it soon, where they'll have seasonal bistro fare and inventive cocktails on the menu.
