Morella’s cocktail menu classifies its specialty drinks at “spritzy,” “sassy,” “messy” and “classy,” which also well describes the Marina hot spot’s interior design. (Well, except for the “messy.”) Located at the corner of Chestnut and Fillmore, Morella’s dining room and bar combine sassy Lilly Pulitzer pink/green and Henri Bendel stripes, classy Murano chandeliers and Victorian wallpaper, and spritzy fern bar greenery. And it works.
The maximalism design scheme layers these elements within its furniture, wallpaper, U-shaped banquette seating, and the comfy tufted dining room chairs and bar area stools. Ornate crystal chandeliers adorn the dining room and gold gilded sconces add sultry mood lighting. Palm and olive tree accents and ceiling foliage create a playful Mediterranean vibe, and a striking atrium mural above the bar area draws the eye. (As do the two television sets that allow Warrior, Giants, and 49er fans never to miss a game.) It’s a little bit funky and a lot of fun.
And so is the menu, the items of which celebrate the gastronomic influences that European immigrants, particularly those from Spain and Italy, had on Argentinian cuisine in the decades following mass migrations at the turn of the 20th century. Morella features traditional empanadas, wood-smoked meats, pastas and internationally inspired drinks. Executive Chef (and now co-owner) Jesus Dominguez, who spent ten years as sous chef at two Michelin-starred Taj Campton Place, helms the stoves and wood-fire grill, serving up Argentinian-style sausages (duck-apple-brandy; duck-orange, pheasant-mushroom, pheasant-cognac, wild boar garlic marsala, rabbit white wine) as well as Argentinian Picanha Steak, Braised Short Ribs, and a succulent Lamb Burger. Additional mains include Pan Seared Scallops served with cherry tomatoes, Morel mushrooms, caper white wine sauce, and the Lionel Messi-inspired Chicken Milanesa (Mary’s chicken breast breaded and fry, smoked ham, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, fried shallot.) Chef Dominguez is an ardent fan of the Argentinian-born Messi, the most decorated professional soccer player in the world, and he pays homage by making his version of Messi’s favorite dish.
Pasta may have originated in Italy, but it also is prominent in Argentinian cuisine. Thus, Morella’s menu features a yummy selection including Midnight Pasta (spaghetti, braised beef, parmesan cheese, with a kick of chili flake), and Dungeness Crab Sorrentinos (Argentinian ravioli stuffed with Dungeness crab, ricotta, fontina, and parmesan cheese served with crab bisque). An antipasti standout is the Dirty Martini Dip (blue cheese, mascarpone cheese, gin, and olive brine served with red peppers, stuffed olives, and pita chips), and the Beets and Hemp Seed Salad with roasted red and golden beets, roasted corn, onions, shaved carrots, toasted hemp seeds, cucumbers, toasted pistachios, and Greek yogurt dressing is delish. You’ll also find traditional Argentinian Empanadas (beef, pork, chicken) and Prosciutto Bruschetta (garlic sourdough toast topped with traditional bruschetta, prosciutto, parmesan cheese, and arugula.) And the Arancini (risotto croquettes with porcini mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and fines herbs served with pesto marsala sauce) has quickly become a Morella signature dish. A focal point of the dining room is the eye-catching whole Jamón ibérico de Bellota leg hand-sliced by ounce in the dining room. Diners can add the Jamón or Black Truffles (MP) to all Pastas and Asados.
And back to that cocktail menu. The “spritzy” section features new and familiar flavors, such as The Morella (Italicus bergamot liqueur, blanco tequila, vanilla Greek yogurt, lemon and prosecco), and the Funky Flamingo (peach and orange blossom infused vodka, Lillet rosé, citrus and sparkling rosé.) The “sassy” sour drinks section includes Life’s a Beach (blanco tequila, hibiscus, citrus, egg white) and Loveless (pisco, apricot, citrus, egg white.) The “classy” includes spirit-driven, classic cocktails like the Wake me up in Manhattan (rye, Magdala orange liqueur, maraschino, amaro, and Luxardo) and the Summer Martini (gin, fino sherry, Cocchi Americano and Cointreau.) The “messy” drinks are in further homage to Messi and include the Frozen Messi Mojito (Morella’s Rum Blend, mint water, lime and topped with our fresh seasonal fruit and puree.)
Morella is the sixth concept from Proof Positive, which is known for building imaginative restaurants, bars, and entertainment concepts in San Francisco (Wilder, Westwood Saloon, and Thriller Social Club) and more recently, Southern California. Sean Doolan (Morella co-owner) and Shane Caudill serve as Bar Manager and General Manager, respectively. Collectively, the two have worked in the Marina and the greater San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years, bringing a wealth of passion and experience to the neighborhood.
Photos by Patricia Chang, courtesy of Morella
Morella, 2001 Chestnut St, San Francisco