Award-winning Restaurateur and Food Journalist
Joining Forces with Former Delfina Chef Lauren Kiino to
Create Oakland Neighborhood Destination

Oakland, CA - Ellis Partners LLC today announced the forthcoming arrival of a new restaurant from Daniel Patterson, founder of the acclaimed San Francisco restaurant Coi. The venture, named Bracina, will be a collaboration with former Delfina chef Lauren Kiino. The restaurant will comprise 3,000 square feet on the ground floor of the soon-to-be-complete Jack London Market.

"Few culinary artists in the Bay Area - or even the world - enjoy the reputation of Daniel Patterson," said Jim Ellis, Managing Principal of Ellis Partners LLC, the developer of the new Jack London Square. "His creativity and uncompromising commitment to detail have made him a prominent figure in the culinary world. His presence in the Jack London Market signifies our commitment to making this a truly unique project. We're honored to have this accomplished team join us."

Patterson's Coi Restaurant was recently awarded two Michelin stars and four stars by culinary icon Michael Bauer. He is also a regular contributor to the New York Times Magazine. Kiino served as chef de cuisine at the Mission District's Delfina for eight years. It is expected that she will act as chef and run the day to day operations of the restaurant while Patterson will provide organizational oversight and consult on the menu.

Bracina, Latin for "kitchen," is expected to seat 80 in a light and airy setting accented by natural and reclaimed materials. The space will feature an open kitchen and rotisserie as well as a full bar. Those sitting at the dining counter in front of the kitchen will be welcome to talk to the kitchen staff; cooks will be encouraged to describe food and pass plates to the guests in front of them. Outdoor seating will look out over the waterfront and the large green being installed in front of the Market.

Bracina's menu, meanwhile will take a casual approach to fine dining. Kiino and Patterson expect to offer a brand of rustic-refined California cuisine highlighting the best local and seasonal ingredients. Food will be restrained but deeply flavorful, and the menu will be designed to appeal to neighbors stopping by for a quick bite after work or to those coming from farther afield to celebrate a special occasion.

"We will grow as the neighborhood grows," said Kiino. "I've seen in my career the critical role that a restaurant can play in the maturity of a community. My hope is that this home-grown concept of the new market and our restaurant becomes every bit as important to our Oakland neighbors and the region as the ferry, the Farmer's Market, and BART."

Jack LondonSquare is poised to become the East Bay's newest center of gravity for culture, cuisine, and commerce. The Square is undergoing a $300 million, 1 million square foot redevelopment that includes restaurants, entertainment, new parking facilities, and Class A office space. The new Jack London Square will enhance the Oakland waterfront and celebrate the revival of a dining district of which the new venture will be part.

The centerpiece of the redevelopment project will be the 70,000 square foot Jack London Market, scheduled to open in Spring 2009. The market will be the largest of its kind on the West Coast, housing small businesses selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses and specialty products with an emphasis on local and sustainable practices. In addition to the public market, the building will house 100,000 square feet of Class A waterfront office space.

"This was such an appealing opportunity to me; one that I couldn't resist. I get to work with Lauren, and be part of such an exciting project -the Jack London Market" added Patterson.

Changes have already begun to appear at Jack London. Joie de Vivre Hospitality has recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the Waterfront Hotel which now houses a revival of the famous Miss Pearl's Jam House, a destination restaurant headed by local culinary celebrity Joey Altman. As the redevelopment continues, additional restaurant and market tenant announcements are forthcoming.

About Ellis Partners:
The developers of Jack London Square, Ellis Partners LLC is one of Northern California's largest commercial developers and investors focused on office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use product types. The firm's multi-faceted capabilities include land entitlement and development, property repositioning, adaptive re-use and historic renovation. Ellis Partners also provides leasing expertise, asset management and development management services to its portfolio. For more information visit www.ellispartners.com.