One of 2015's most anticipated openings has finally arrived: neighborhood cafe Launderette will open officially on February 19. The restaurant from chefs Rene Ortiz and Laura Sawicki will open for dinner only, with breakfast and lunch added in the following weeks. The first stage of a multi-project transformation of a former laundromat and service station at Holly and Robert Martinez, Launderette does not hew to a specific cuisine but instead offers "everyday fare," according to a press release. The Mediterranean-influenced menu includes small "snacky bits," on-trend toasts, plus wood-grilled items and large slate of vegetables. There are also more entree-like "specialities," like a brick chicken and fennel sausage garganelli, and desserts from Laura Sawicki.
Rene Ortiz and Laura Sawicki partnered with Fresa's owners Margaret Vera and Tracy Overath in 2013, and previously ran the nationally lauded kitchens at Sway and La Condesa. In addition to launching Launderette, the restaurant group will open a grocery and a Szechuan takeout restaurant called Angry Bear in the adjacent convenience store on the property. Launderette's initial hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
