There are a number of restaurants opening in 2008 that we've been eagerly awaiting and we thought we'd highlight some that particularly piqued our interest and have us drooling in anticipation.
John Dory -- this new meatpacking seafood spot comes from Spotted Pig owner Ken Friedman and Partner/Executive Chef April Bloomfield. Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich are also partners, not to mention neighbors. Sara Ochs will serve as the Chef de Cuisine. It is designed as a cross between the Pig's british pub and a fish shack of sorts. 85 Tenth Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets.
Merkato 55 -- Aquavit chef Marcus Samuelsson brings a taste of African cuisine to the Highline. His latest cookbook, The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa
Adour -- Chef Alain Ducasse finds a home at the St. Regis in the space that formerly housed Lespinasse. This French restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Tony Esnault will have a serious wine focus, including an extenstive and broad wine list and private wine lockers. 2 East 55th Street at at Fifth Avenue.
South Gate -- Chef Kerry Heffernan, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, takes up residence in the Essex House. He'll be greenmarket focused with a seasonal yet contemporary American menu and should be opening near the beginning of February. 154 Central Park South, between 6th and 7th Avenues, 212-484-4715.
Momofuku Ko -- When the original Momfuku Noodle Bar moved down the block to bigger digs, Chef/Owner David Chang already had grand plans in store for the old space: Ko, with a prix fixe-only dinner menu. Although there is no opening date set in stone, Andrea Strong gives us the most information we've seen to date. The menu will be a "changing daily expression of the chef" and will change daily. It will also accept reservations unlike its predecessor, albeit online only. 163 First Avenue 10th and 11th, 212-475-7899.
Photo courtesy of Urban Daddy.
