Let’s get caught up on the Lower East Side restaurant scene:
–Japanese ramen master Shigetoshi “Jack” Nakamura has opened a noddle shop at 172 Delancey St., in a little space alongside the Williamsburg Bridge. He did a brief stint at Ramen Lab on Kenmare Street and now has a spot of his own. Gothamist’s Scott Lynch says, “the Nakamura menu is short and delicious, with all four ramen choices (and the lone appetizer) well worth traveling for.” The restaurant is the newest big deal ramen shop to get excited about,” writes Grub Street. No wine and beer yet, but that’s on the way. The place is only open for dinner. Check out the menu and other details here.
—Galeria is now open at 43 Clinton St., offering “simple and original food from local, fresh not preserved products in unusual combinations.” Bedford & Bowery stopped by to chat with owner Jairo Barros, formerly a co-owner of Organika in the West Village. The food is described as vaguely Brazilian and wholesome, meaning, “big, healthy bowls overflowing with fresh seasonal vegetables and farro.”
—Grub Street has the scoop on a second location of Mimi Cheng’s at 380 Broome St. (near Mulberry Street). The original spot for fresh, homemade dumplings (using organic ingredients) debuted on 2nd Avenue in 2014.
–Community Board 3 is out with its liquor license applications for February. At the February 16 meeting, there will be a pitch from the operators of the restaurant opening in the Joie de Vivre Hotel at 50 Bowery. The team from the Public Hotel, opening at 215 Chrystie St., will also be presenting their plans for multiple restaurant/nightlife establishments. You can keep an eye on the applications as they’re uploaded in the next few days.
