Step Into The Interval, Fort Mason's Stunning New Techno-Bar and Cafe

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The Long Now Foundation aims to promote long-term thinking for the next 10,000 years and beyond, but for the of-the-moment problem of needing a drink, the Fort Mason-based foundation now has a solution in The Interval, a bar, cafe, and events space that feels like stepping into an eccentric genius' well-appointed personal library. With 1,000 tomes lining the walls (and plans to add 2,500 more), morphing light installations behind the bar, a soundtrack created by ambient master and Long Now board member Brian Eno, and top-notch drinks from Slanted Door alum and Small Hand Foods proprietor Jennifer Colliau, this truly stunning space is definitely a step up from your average watering hole.

Colliau is behind an extensive menu that has nine sections with 5-6 cocktails each. They include entire sections dedicated to variations on the martini, the daiquiri, and the Brooklyn (a classic whiskey cocktail with dry vermouth and maraschino), and a "Welcome Drinks" menu of bottled and draft cocktails, like a draft Tom Collins or carbonated gin and tonic, that are ready to serve. A "Drinking Around the World" menu highlights her takes on traditions like the Dutch kopstootje. Teetotalers can enjoy a selection of booze-free cocktails, as well as the Sightglass coffee and Samovar tea that are served during the space's daytime hours as a museum.

As if that wasn't enough to entice drinkers, the bar (designed by Because We Can) will soon be adding two robots to its staff: one will write on a chalkboard, while another will actually help out behind the stick. Barrel-aged gin and whiskey from St. George Spirits, created especially for Long Now, are also forthcoming. The Interval is currently set to open to the public this Sunday, June 14; hours will be 10 am-5 pm daily for the cafe, and 5 pm-12 am for the bar. Long Now also plans to hold salons, talks, and other events in the space on a regular basis.

· Jennifer Colliau Joins Long Now Salon [~ ESF ~]
· Long Now Kickstarting For a Bar/Tea Salon [~ ESF ~]