Here’s what’s new on the Lower East Side restaurant/food scene as we kick off 2017:
–The Pickle Guys made the move across Essex St. just before the holiday. The prime corner spot at 357 Grand St. is fairly bare bones at the moment. There’s not much in the space other than those big pickle barrels you were used to seeing at 49 Essex St. A grand opening celebration will come later and a small restaurant is in-the-works. The restaurant will be a counter service operation featured fried pickles. According to Eater: “Burgers, chicken sliders, and beef sliders will also likely be on the menu.” There will be some limited seating. An April opening is anticipated.
—The Lucky Bee has been open for almost a year on Broome Street. The Southeast Asian restaurant is celebrating the new year with weekend brunch service beginning this coming Saturday. Chef Matty Bennett says the brunch menu will be all about serving “perfect hangover food.” There will be a chicken burger with Sriracha mayo, daikon and cabbage slaw; steamed pork and sesame dumplings; and “Son-in-law Eggs,” made with avocado, fried chili, sweet fish sauce, Thai basil and fried shallot. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
—At Eastwood , they’re getting ready for the fourth annual Burns supper Jan. 25. There’s a three-course meal plus live music and poetry. $50.
–Community Board 3 will meet Jan. 9 to review new liquor permit applications. Among the proposals that caught our eye: A new team looks to open a place called Bowery Craft House, at 293 East Houston St. (that’s where Ariel’s Latin Bistro is currently located). See the full agenda here.
—The New Yorker checks out Rabbit House, an “exquisite wisp of a sake bar” on Forysth Street.
