July 28, 2008 |
Short Order
An American bistro, “totally affordable, with strong French roots” by the two guys who run Almond and Almoncello on the Montauk Highway will move into Jeffrey Chodorow’s fading Borough Food and Drink where the short-lived Caviar and Bananas failed to obliterate the stink of Rocco’s. Eric Lemonides, the energy and endearing charm up front at Almond in Bridgehampton and Almoncello in Wainscott, and Jason Weiner, his cohort in the kitchen, finalized their deal Sunday to partner with the eternally optimistic Chod in what Eric sees as a kind of “Pastis meets Harrison.” Entrees will range from $17 to $23.
Cursed spaces don’t frighten Lemonides. “People said we were nuts locating on the highway out here. If you create something that makes people happy, they’ll come. I want to bring back the big neighborhood restaurant.” He’s in love with the layout – “It’s flexible and sexy and the bar is gorgeous.” The two men meet with the restaurant mogul’s designer this week and hope to open in October. They plan to spend most of their time and summer weekdays in Manhattan commuting to the shore for long summer weekends.
The Chodorows have been customers of Almond “for years,” says Lemonides. One of Jason’s earliest jobs was at his China Grill. “We are totally amped that he wants to work with us.” No name yet. How about Almond Butter… or Almondville.
Click here for short order archive.