Food & Drink: Bradley's Fine Diner to replace Gambardella's

Celebrity chef Bradley Ogden is planning to open a new restaurant in the large, plantation-style building that formerly housed Gambardella's on Merrill Street across from the Menlo Park train station, a spokesman for Ogden has announced.

Mr. Ogden, a chef and restaurateur who has a home in San Jose, is poised to open B.F.D. (Bradley's Fine Diner) in late summer. He plans to develop a restaurant with food served in a casual, approachable atmosphere, said Michael Duffield, a spokesman for Ogden. The space features a 2,800-square-foot, wraparound deck that would be used for patio dining.

Gambardella's — which had been a Menlo Park mainstay since the mid-1980s, aside from a brief three-year stint in Burlingame — closed in late December. A phone call to Andy Gambardella was not immediately returned.

The proprietor of nearby restaurants Crepes Cafe and Lisa's Tea Treasures — which will not be closing, contrary to an earlier report — are looking forward to their new neighbor.

"We're excited. It brings a breath of fresh air," Helene Pascal of Crepes Cafe said of the remodeling that will be done to make way for B.F.D. "We want to make improvements, too — change the tables, put up new decorations."

The Crepes Cafe lease extends to at least 2019, Ms. Pascal said.

Lisa's Tea Treasures, at 1175 Merrill, continues to host its high teas and private parties and offers catering.

"Lisa's Tea Treasures in Menlo Park is open for business, and we do take reservations. We are looking forward to serving customers as always," Thao Nguyen, manager and co-owner, said.