Creatives priced out of Manhattan and Brooklyn have moved to the South Bronx, one of the city’s final gentrification frontiers — and now a new generation of restaurants is growing there to feed them.
Star chef Douglas Rodriguez, known as the godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine, is also gearing up to open two new eateries this year at the anticipated Bruckner Market, at 9 Bruckner Blvd. Each eatery will be 35 to 50 seats. One will focus on traditional farm-to-table Latin fare while the other will be a healthy casual eatery with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables.
The 30,000-square-foot Bruckner Market will also feature a rooftop beer garden, distillery and brewery.
Also new to the neighborhood is LaGrata Pizza, at 136 Alexander Ave. The 60-seat restaurant is 1,200 feet and received its liquor license last month.
The menu includes pizzas with all the usual toppings, classic pastas, like cacio e peppe, salads and Nutella shakes and puffs.
LaGrata employs artists part-time, including one who designed the menu, and Bronx photographers whose work is on display.
Chef Erminio Conte was formerly executive chef at Serafina.
A new riverfront hotel from Somerset Partners is also slated to open in 2019.
We Hear…
- That on Jan. 14 award-winning authors Adam Gopnik and Meg Wolitzer will serve up sizzling conversation at Rotisserie Georgette, 14 E. 60th St., part of classically chic restaurateur Georgette Farkas’ deliciously conceived literary luncheon series: $69 for three courses and wine parings (tax and tip extra).
- That Hakkasan, 311 W. 43rd St., is celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Rooster in style with a limited edition $128 menu launched with special dishes like a traditional prosperity salad tossed tableside with roasted chicken, jellyfish, and mooli (a type of daikon), New Year-themed cocktails, and main dishes like steamed Dover sole with pumpkin, shiitake mushroom and ham.Desserts include deep fried sesame balls.