WORD ART at MARENGO on Union

Vintage signs, movie marquee letters and old sign letters have always been at the top of our Wish List when it comes to searching for treasures at flea markets, estate sales, auctions and salvage yards.

For more than a dozen years — yikes! Can you believe it has been that long? — we have pursued this quirky passion of working with people to put together old letters in different fonts, sizes and materials to create what we call WORD ART.

Recently Jim Gruettner, co-owner with Kevin Toomajian of Marengo on Union, a popular San Francisco bar and restaurant, stopped by Timeless Treasures and began experimenting with different combinations of old sign letters.

Soon Jim explained his idea — to create the phrase WHISKEY BAR to hang at the entrance to the area where they feature fine wines and whiskeys, along with sliders and salads, in what UrbanDaddy.com calls “an outdoor oasis on Union Street.”

The vintage letters, as you can see here, add an informal but striking design detail. But to fully appreciate the inviting atmosphere, stop by for a bite or a cocktail — you’ll find Marengo at Union and Buchanan St.– and see what awaits you. If Jim or Kevin is behind the bar, be sure and compliment them on their colorful, clever word art.