Acclaimed sushi chef David Bouhadana is aiming to open a new spot at 217 Eldridge St., the former home of shuttered Italian spot Apizz.
According to documents filed with Community Board 3, he and Derek Feldman will be going for a full liquor permit in the 1200 square foot space near Stanton Street. Bouhadana has been sushi chef at many places, including Morimoto, Sushi Uo (on Rivington Street), Hatsuhana and 15 East. In October of last year, he departed Sushi Dojo, the much-loved 1st Avenue restaurant, after the health department temporarily closed the business. Bouhadana went public with an indictment of the city health guidelines, which he said failed to take into account the special needs of sushi chefs.
The corporate name on the application is Nishiwaki LLC. Elsewhere in the application, the restaurant is referred to as Sushi Bouhadana. The restaurant would have 39 seats. The owners are requesting a 2 a.m. closing time. Community Board 3’s liquor licensing committee meets May 16, 6:30 p.m., at 10 Stanton St.
The former Apizz space has been advertised online, with a “4 a.m. liquor license” at a rate of $7500 per month.