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For those of us who aren’t still in school, fall brings a slightly different meaning. With the change of season comes a slew of newness and in the case of dining out, a brand new crop of restaurants. Here’s a look at 11 eateries around the country we can’t wait to check out.
1. Tetsu — New York City
Where: TriBeCa; 78 Leonard Street, New York, New York
Who: After a few years of delays, renowned chef Masa Takayama finally brings his newest restaurant, Tetsu, to downtown NYC.
The Gist: The name means “iron” in Japanese and it’s fitting; the bi-level space is housed in a historic loft and features a ground floor dining room as well as an additional subterranean space. The food is focused on what Chef Takayama himself likes to eat, and the menu is comprised of his favorite comfort foods, including his first-ever burger.
Opening: Early October
2. The Mighty — Los Angeles, California
Where: Downtown; 108 West 2nd Street #105, Los Angeles, California
Who: Husband and wife chef duo, Karen and Quinn Hatfield — of The Sycamore Kitchen fame — are planting their roots in downtown LA in the landmark Higgins building.
The Gist: Angelenos should expect the same signature sandwiches, market salads and fresh pastas the duo built their success on — not to mention Karen’s noteworthy desserts, like old-fashioned layer cakes, rustic tarts and seasonal pies. The Mighty will be open for lunch and dinner.
Opening: Late September
3. Somerset — Chicago, Illinois
Where: Gold Coast, adjacent to the new Viceroy Hotel; 1112 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois
Who: Boka Restaurant Group and James Beard-nominated chef Lee Wolen continue to spread their magic in the Windy City with Somerset.
The Gist: Chef Wolen, who’s also the executive chef at Boka Restaurant in Lincoln Park, is working with executive pastry chef Meg Galus — also a James Beard nominee — at this all-day eatery which focuses on clean and approachable flavors with menus that change seasonally.
Opening: Early September
4. Royal Boucherie — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where: Old City; 52 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Who: Top Chef winner Nick Elmi opens his third project in Philly’s historic district — its name translates to butcher shop — with restaurateurs Stephen Simons and David Frank, the pair behind Royal Izakaya and Khyber Pass Pub.
The Gist: As the name suggests, Royal Boucherie will be a food-driven pub highlighting salumi, charcuterie and a raw bar. The bi-level space features a bar and a dining area, private dining room and outdoor garden.
Opening: Late September
5. Claro — Brooklyn, New York
Where: Gowanus, Brooklyn; 284 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
Who: The team behind Freek’s Mill — Chad Shaner and JT Stewart — is partnering with TJ Steele of El Buho Mezcal on an Oaxacan-influenced restaurant focusing on corn, barbacoa, consommé and mezcal.
The Gist: Chefs Steele and Shaner, who worked together at Union Square Café, will head up Claro’s kitchen. The restaurant reflects Steele’s time spent in Oaxaca over the past dozen years, including his stints making a variety of barbacoa with many of the region’s masters.
Opening: Early September
6. Succotash — Washington, DC
Where: Penn Quarter; 915 F Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Who: Celebrated southern chef Edward Lee, in collaboration with Knead Hospitality + Design, is opening Succotash in the landmarked Equitable Bank Building in DC’s Penn Quarter.
The Gist: The James Beard-nominated chef draws from his Korean heritage in creating a menu that highlights recipes of the American South — evident in dishes like Lee’s pulled pork, pimento cheeseburger and collards with kimchi and country ham.
Opening: Mid-September
7. Corrida — Boulder, Colorado
Where: The rooftop of Boulder’s Pearl West building; 1023 Walnut Street, Boulder, Colorado
Who: Denver hotshots, chef Amos Watts (Acorn, Old Major) and partner Bryan Dayton (Acorn, Oak at Fourteenth, Brider) bring Spanish fare to downtown Boulder.
The Gist: Set on a rooftop with one of the only unobstructed views of the Flatiron mountains within the city limits, Corrida, which loosely translates to “bullfight,” is a nod to the restaurant’s Spanish roots. The menu will be largely influenced by northern Spain’s Basque country — including the region’s great steak restaurants — while Dayton will lead the beverage program, specializing in sherry and Spanish-style GinTonics.
Opening: Mid-December
8. Piggyback Bar — Jersey City, New Jersey
Where: Harborside Financial Center; Building 2 at 200 Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey
Who: From Top Chef alum Leah Cohen and Ben Byruch of NYC’s popular Pig & Khao comes the pair’s second venture — this one across the river in Jersey City.
The Gist: Look for American bar fare fused with Asian flavors, like Piggyback Ribs and Disco Phories — waffle fries with cheese sauce, pho gravy, braised short rib and chilis — plus, an extensive beer selection, Asian inspired cocktails and wines by the glass. Piggyback will open for lunch and dinner service during the work week before rolling out brunch and weekend dinner in the coming days.
Opening: Late September
9. Le Politique — Austin, Texas
Where: Central Downtown; 110 San Antonio Street, Austin Texas
Who: Another husband and wife team, chef Derek Salkin and pastry chef Alyssa Hurlstone, along with New Waterloo management, are opening a 9,000-square-foot French brasserie in downtown Austin.
The Gist: The name, which translates to The Politician, is a nod to Austin’s roots as a capital city and an homage to Texas and French politicians — past and present. In addition to the restaurant serving lunch, brunch and dinner, diners should look for a separate patisserie, coffee shop and an extensive raw bar to boot.
Opening: Late September
10. Azabu Miami Beach — Miami, Florida
Where: South of Fifth, Marriott Stanton South Beach; 161 Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida
Who: Chefs Masatsugu (Masa) Kubo and Kenichi (Ken) Fujimoto are at the helm at this second US location — see: Michelin-starred Sushi Azabu New York — soon to open in Miami Beach.
The Gist: Find multiple concepts within the space including a full-service dining room, The Den — a hidden sushi counter — and Bar Azabu, a classic cocktail bar with a focus on whiskey and sake.
Opening: Late October
11. Alta — San Francisco, California
Where: Mid-Market; The Grant, 1095 Market Street, San Francisco, California
Who: Alta Group and chef Daniel Patterson are partnering with Yotel for the food and beverage concepts at the forthcoming hotel, set in the historic Grant Building on Market Street.
The Gist: Alta at The Grant will be an all-day restaurant and bar, located on the ground floor; above, look for the forthcoming rooftop bar, The Grant, with standout views of the city.
Opening: Early December.
Featured image courtesy of Azabu Miami Beach
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