Lakeshore's Michel Bistro will close its doors on April 14th, reopening later this year as Bardo Lounge and Supper Club.
The French-inspired restaurant specializing in California cuisine opened in 2014 as a joint venture between Samie Didda and Germain Michel, owners of San Francisco’s Amelie Wine Bar. Didda and Michel sold the bistro to husband-and-wife Seth and Jenni Bregman in April of 2017.
The Bregmans have kept the establishment going as Michel Bistro, but from the beginning, they hoped to tailor the restaurant into a late-night lounge. “We’ve been planning this project for a long time,” said co-owner Seth Bregman.
Although the Bregmans had a vision for turning Michel Bistro into more of a cocktail-oriented space, their kitchen staff shaped their view of what could be on the menu; chefs Anthony Salguero and Brian Starkey have earned Michelin Bib Gourmand honors for four years running.
“When we met the chefs here and realized how talented they were, we thought we could expand our original concept to be more food focused,” said Bregman. “That we could do both food and cocktails and carry on the tradition of outstanding cuisine in this location.”
The staff are expected to remain through the transition, but Bregman said some team members may find employment elsewhere before Bardo opens this summer.
“We have a good team here,” he said. “Not just in the kitchen, but in the front of house. We’re trying to retain the team as much as possible.”
While exact menu and hours are yet to be determined, Bregman said Bardo will have later hours, since "getting a bite to eat after 10pm is kind of hard in Oakland." Dinner service will last from 5–10pm, with an additional late night menu offered until 2am on weekends.
Other options under consideration include family-style service, hors d’oeuvres, and a limited menu that rotates every week or so.
“Michel has really been a community favorite,” said Bregman. “We want to continue that tradition, just with our concept.”
Michel Bistro (3343 Lakeshore Ave.) is open Monday, Thursday, Friday from 4:30–9:30, Saturday from 5:30–9:30, and on Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm for brunch and from 5:30– 9:30 for dinner.
