The Citiblog

Photo: El Fish Shack

Opening Winter/Spring 2022

KONO

Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013

KONO is the forthcoming debut restaurant from acclaimed Japanese yakitori chef Atsushi 'ATS' Kono. After nearly two decades of honing his skills in Japan, and then in New York City as the Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred Yakitori Torishin (and, most recently, the summerlong Chikarashi Isso pop-up at Hotel 50 Bowery), ATS will finally open his namesake restaurant within Bowery's Canal Arcade, a passageway that connects Bowery to Elizabeth Street. Guests at KONO will feel as though they have been transported to Japan as they enter into the alluring dining room that blends traditional Japanese elements with modern touches that speak to New York City's dining culture. Here, Chef Kono will take center stage at a 14-seat chef's counter (seatings at 5:30pm and 8:30pm) to prepare a kappo-style yakitori omakase rooted in tradition and seasonality. Guests can expect to enjoy various cuts (and specialty cuts) of organic Amish chicken grilled over Binchotan hardwood charcoal via the multi-course menu of appetizers, skewers, seasonal vegetables, and dessert. There will also be a semi-private dining area to accommodate larger groups of 4 to 6.

El Truck

Address: 50th Street b/t 6th and 7th Aves (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM), 52nd Street and 9th Ave (7:00 PM to 12:00 AM)

The latest concept from Chef/Owner Julian Medina and Restaurateur Louis Skibar of Toloache Restaurant Group goes mobile with the launch of El Truck, a food truck offering authentic Mexican street food. El Truck’s simple yet satisfying menu features an assortment of tacos like the Birria (Braised Beef in Chiles with Consomme); Chicharron Prensado (Pork Braised in Chile de Arbol Salsa); and Cabeza (Steamed Veal Head), as well as the Taco de Pescado (Crispy Fish Taco with Slaw and Chipotle Crema) and the Dorados de Camaron y Pulpo (Crispy Taco with Shrimp, Octopus, and Charred Tomato Salsa), among others. Antojitos (or “Little Cravings”) include the Machete and the Cemita. There will also be Churros con Cajeta for dessert, and soft drinks.

GG Tokyo

Address: 120 East 28th Street, New York, NY 10016 – at the Park South Hotel

GG Tokyo is a lively bar and restaurant opening at the Park South Hotel from the team behind TH/RST Group, Executive Chef Bryce Shuman, and Beverage Director Ivan Papic. It is inspired by six tiny alleys in the Golden Gai district of Tokyo, which is home to over 200 bars and restaurants. Golden Gai, or Shinjuku, comes to life after dusk and is a food and drink mecca to locals and tourists alike. With a focus on Japanese small plates, GG Tokyo will take cues from the simplicity and comfort of izakaya dining and the seasonality and refinement of kaiseki dining to create a place you can settle in, grab a drink, and enjoy delicious Japanese-influenced fare. In addition to the food and drink, guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere that will include late-night programming and special events from DJs and live entertainment to curated omakase experiences and more.

El Fish Shack UWS

Address: 155 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023

Following the success of El Fish Shack's Astoria location, Chef/Owner Julian Medina and Restaurateur Louis Skibar (Toloache Restaurant Group) will open a flagship location on the Upper West Side. El Fish Shack is a New-England style fish and seafood restaurant with Mexican flare. The menu features fresh-caught whole lobster that can be prepared simply – steamed, grilled, or "angry" (sauteed with house-made spicy Shack tomato hot sauce and corn) – or composed (i.e. tacos, roll, waffle, baked and stuffed). There are also raw bar offerings and ceviche – as well as a variety of seafood from the fish market that can be prepared grilled or fried with your choice of sauce. The bar program will feature beer, signature cocktails, as well as a gin-focused cocktail list.

Pine & Polk

Address: 300 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013

Pine & Polk is a new and exciting multi-concept brand under one roof – a provisions-focused retail storefront and bespoke cocktail bar. Best friends-turned-business partners, Lindsay Weiss (American Express, James Beard Foundation) and Alyssa Golub (Michael Mina Restaurant Group, The Four Seasons) met in San Francisco where their lives and streets (Pine & Polk) would intersect. The bright and airy shop, located in downtown New York City, promises to bring California vibes to the east coast. The storefront will feature artisan provisions “for fine food hunters and social gatherers,” carrying items to complement every picnic, intimate soiree, large gathering, or quiet night in. A majority of items sold will be from women-owned brands, alongside small-batch specialty products from around the country. Expect one-of-a-kind chef and brand collaborations, as well as in-store programming. The hidden 40-seat cocktail bar, through the shop, will feature craft cocktails and creative food offerings as well.

Stay tuned for more NYC Openings