Former Book Bindery and Hommage to be Reborn as 'Branded'

The space most recently occupied by Hommage (and before that, Book Bindery) will  have new life as of April 1. Brandt Bishop comes over from the Canon kitchen to serve as executive chef in a venture that will be called Branded.

Bishop, who also cooked at Book Bindery for three years, says the relaunch will occur in stages. It all starts with the April 1 reopening of the wine garden space, which was built last summer in the parking lot and consists of about 12 tables under two tents overlooking the Ship Canal.

Bishop says to expect small, handheld bites to pair with wine: Columbia City focaccia with bone marrow butter, pork rillettes on grilled baguette, smoked cod crostini, charcuterie, cheeses, and a pork belly slider on brioche.

The Mike and Sumi Almquist-owned restaurants that have lived here in the past, next to their winery and distillery, were fine dining destinations, but Bishop says Branded should be more accessible, perhaps a neighborhood hangout: "Expect good quality, unpretentious food," he says. "We want to make this a place that people are comfortable hanging out."

Bishop says that just a couple of months after the wine garden roll out, the team will open the bar and atrium for "a little bit more composed experience" with small, shareable plates. "And from there we have bigger plans to reopen the restaurant."

It's too early to release details, Bishop says, but he's excited to put together a complete dining experience and to be working in the space again. "It's truly one of the most well-equipped kitchens in the city, and it happens to be a beautiful spot as well."

Branded's wine garden hours will be Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Brandt Bishop