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New Culinary Destinations and Closures in New York City
Explore the latest updates in New York City’s vibrant food scene, featuring a new hot pot experience in Chinatown, a dedicated bureka shop in Greenwich Village, the expansion of a popular Greek street food chain, and the closing of two notable restaurants in Williamsburg and TriBeCa. Discover these changes and plan your next dining adventure.
Hakata TonTon Finds New Home at Cha Kee
Chef Koji Hagihara’s acclaimed hot pot establishment, Hakata TonTon, has relocated after the closure of its Midtown venue. The restaurant has found a welcoming space within Cha Kee, a Hong Kong-style diner owned by Baron Chan and Ophelia Wu. Patrons can now enjoy Hakata TonTon’s signature hot pots, along with delectable soup dumplings and okonomiyaki, during dinner service at Cha Kee. Cha Kee continues to serve its regular breakfast, lunch, and tea menus.
Address: 43 Mott Street (at Pell Street)
Phone: 212-577-2888
Website: chakeenyc.com
Buba Bureka Specializes in Middle Eastern Pastries
Gadi Peleg, a co-founder of Breads Bakery, introduces his new venture, Buba Bureka, a shop centered around a singular culinary delight: the bureka. This triangular pastry turnover, a staple throughout the Middle East, is offered with a variety of both savory and sweet fillings. Menu options include potato with caramelized onions, corn with butter and salt, a selection of cheeses, and spinach-artichoke. Partners in this endeavor include chef Ben Siman-Tov and Fritz Oleshansky, both formerly of Breads Bakery. Burekas are available for $16 and are accompanied by tahini, pickles, and a jammy egg. (Available Thursdays)
Address: 193 Bleecker Street (at MacDougal Street)
Phone: 212-951-0817
Website: bubabureka.com
Expansions
The Gyro Project Expands Across Manhattan
The Gyro Project, a growing restaurant chain specializing in Greek street food, is expanding its presence into Manhattan. Known for its signature gyros – featuring gyro meat generously piled into pita bread with tomatoes, onions, sauces, and a topping of French fries – the establishment is opening new locations. Originating in Fort Lee, N.J., and with an existing location in Newark, The Gyro Project is set to debut on the Upper West Side, with a second Manhattan outpost in Kips Bay anticipated by summer. The menu will also feature Greek appetizers, bowls, salads, rotisserie chickens, and desserts. The Upper West Side location will offer seating for 25 patrons. George Tenedios, who also owns the Fresh&Co chain and the Mexican restaurant Nizuc, is partnering with the Kyma restaurants for the Manhattan expansion. (Opening Monday)
Address: 2062 Broadway (at 71st Street)
Website: thegyroproject.com
Restaurant Closures
Marlow & Sons Closes in Williamsburg
Marlow & Sons, a neighborhood restaurant that played a significant role in Williamsburg’s culinary resurgence approximately 20 years ago, has closed its doors on Sunday. Its location, a short distance from the established Peter Luger Steak House, highlighted its pioneering influence. Owner Andrew Tarlow cited a “significant increase in our rent” as the reason for the closure in an Instagram post. Marlow & Sons was noted for its adaptable approach, evolving its menu in response to customer preferences and the skills of its chefs, as The New York Times observed in 2006, noting the menu “expanded, matured and improved.” Mr. Tarlow is returning the space to the landlord. He confirmed that Diner and the butcher shop, Marlow & Daughters, will remain open.
Address: 81 Broadway (at Berry Street), Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Phone: 718-384-1441
Social Media: @marlowandsons
Sushi Ichimura Shuttering TriBeCa Location
Eiji Ichimura, a renowned Japanese chef who, like Masayoshi Takayama of Masa, has been a leading figure in New York City’s high-end sushi scene for decades, is closing his restaurant in mid-August. At 71 years old, Chef Ichimura began his New York career with a Midtown establishment but gained prominence at David Bouley’s Brushstroke. Since 2023, his latest venture in TriBeCa has been supported by Kuma Hospitality, the group behind the nearby l’Abeille.
Address: 412 Greenwich Street (at Laight Street)
Phone: 212-542-3896
Website: sushiichimura.nyc