The Asian fusion restaurant and lounge, HaChi (185 Orchard; on the ground floor of the Thompson LES Hotel) is planning a grand opening July 26th. From a press release tweeted far and wide this afternoon, we learn:
… HaChi is a step up from many traditional Asian Fusion restaurants. Its dual-level layout offers ample space for both a casual fine dining restaurant with an extensive dinner menu as well as a chic, modern lounge scene. When dining at HaChi, customers will experience unique dishes prepared with top of the line ingredients and French cuts of beef, fish and chicken, all executed with precision.
The mix of East and West is apparent in every dish, for example: the Calamari Martini with its 72 hour vodka marinade is served with a spicy aioli, the Kobe Beef Filet Mignon is served with a wasabi potato spring roll, and the steamed Chilean Sea Bass is served with a black bean sauce, ginger, scallions and hot spindle oil seasoning. While relaxing in the downstairs lounge, customers will have their choice of traditional Japanese Sake and Shochu cocktails in addition to wine and beer.
HaChi’s owners chose the Lower East Side for their new venture because they felt that it was an area in the midst of major growth, and that they could grow their restaurant right along with the neighborhood. With the opening of HaChi, they are looking to give the neighborhood an open, relaxing, spacious environment that is unlike many of the long narrow spaces sprinkled throughout the area. “We may be a bit more chic and upscale at first sight, but we’re really more about casual fine dining. We’re looking to create a personal relationship with our customers,” says general manager Brandon Gross, “We want everyone to feel welcome at HaChi.”
In the coming months, HaChi will be introducing a late night menu as well as a weekly entertainment schedule with live music and both a happy hour and a reverse happy hour. To celebrate the Grand Opening, HaChi will be hosting a private media night and opening celebration on Tuesday, July 26th…
The full menu can be viewed on HaChi’s web site. Only soda listed on the cocktail menu so far. No one from Ha’Chi showed up back in December when Community Board 3 was deciding whether to support the restaurant’s liquor license application. CB3 voted to deny the license request. So far, the State Liquor Authority’s online database shows no sign of an approved liquor license at 185 Orchard.
