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The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar Enters Next Chapter With New Face

The Mission Hills eatery gets a makeover for its birthday.

In 2009, The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar opened in the cozy Mission Hills corner spot that once held the beloved Parallel 33; since then, the eatery has risen in the farm-to-table ranks, with a seasonal menu fueled by owner Trish Watlington's own Mt. Helix garden and overseen by executive chef Karrie Hills.

Last month, the restaurant announced plans to completely revamp the space on the occasion of its sixth anniversary; in a speedy switcheroo, it closed on the Fourth of July and reopened yesterday with the first of two anniversary dinners planned to usher in the eatery's next era.

Sarah Watlington, who did The Red Door's original decor, has swapped its home-y East Coast-inspired look for a mid-century modern vibe. Out front, there are grape vines growing above new cedar awnings, while inside, all the light fixtures, wall decor and furniture— save for the new dining room chairs— are vintage. Watlington told Eater that she wanted to keep the restaurant's comfortable feel while taking it in a more contemporary direction.

The Red Door's owners also run The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge; though the restaurant wouldn't say what its plans are for their other Washington Street eatery, expect some changes to come.

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