Matthew Hechter and Chris Brandon who make up one half of the Hudson Clearwater team in the West Village, and Che Stipanovich, are opening their restaurant The Heyward tonight in the old Zebulon space. There's a Southern Atlantic theme to it (think seafood-heavy, Southern leaning food), and it's named for Dubose Heyward, the early 20th century poet from Charleston who wrote a piece that inspired Porgy and Bess, says Hechter.
Derek Orrell, who most recently worked at Locanda Verde, is running the kitchen. The full menu isn't available just yet, but there's chilled lobster salad with cayenne butter, she crab soup, and a grilled pork chop with smoked cauliflower puree, and orange marmalade. There are also cocktails and sustainable wines. Check back soon for photos and more on the menu. The Heyward, 258 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg