Pondering the Possibilities About the Smokehouse Venue

Maybe this is a crazy idea, but there's no sense in holding back: What if the famed restaurant relocated to the location at shopping center in Novato?

You might have heard that the Seafood Peddler, an institution along the San Rafael waterfront, to make room for the new , an operation with the backing of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. A previous attempt to open Terrapin Crossroads in Fairfax fell through after aggressive opposition from neighbors.

The Smokehouse ownership after just seven months of operation. About $2.3 million was poured into the 9,100-square-foot former Shane Co. jewelers building just off Vintage Way. It had a 100-seat dining room and 70-seat outdoor patio plus a small concert lounge that seats about 110. It was a gorgeous place and there was tons of free parking.

as to why the Smokehouse was shuttered, but the gossip is quickly turning toward the future and what might move in.

Seafood Peddler General Manager Richard Mayfield said Thursday that he can't reveal any information about where the restaurant might relocate. It could be that the Smokehouse building is too small for the Peddler if its management seeks to attract large groups for banquets and special events. The Peddler featured not only enclosed waterfront dining but also a 55-seat room, a 125-seat room and the 350-seat Palm Ballroom. That place dwarfs the Smokehouse location, but maybe the Peddler is seeking to downsize in this economy like so many other businesses.

But think about it: Isn't Novato in desperate need of an eatery whose "sole" focus is on seafood?