Before we duck out for the weekend, we bring you word that Jason Neroni of Jason Neroni Behind Bars fame and the chef who rather tumultuously parted ways with his last NY employer, Marco Rivera and the restaurant Porchetta, will be returning to New York this fall as a consulting chef at Cantina. The new restaurant, 'with a decidedly Latin accent' is to open September 26 at 29 Avenue B, per the press materials that we received today:
Cantina, September 26Though it does seem a bit like Neroni was installed to get the bar food cred with the Community Board, it is what it is. Hide your women and children, people. Neroni is back.
29 Ave B (bet 2nd and 3rd street) NYC
Jason Swami's (Movida) new hip East Village restaurant/bar speaks with a decidedly Latin accent; as does consulting chef's Jason Neroni's (Porchetta, 71 Clinton Fresh Foods) menu of -pan-latin home cooking on small plates, complemented by a large variety of Latin beers and sodas; and wine list categorized by crush. As is the design, inspire by old Cuba (1930-1950) and actuated by yet another Jason, Jason Volenec, whose past and current projects include: with Serge Becker, Joe's Pub, La Esquina and 205 Club; and Allen and Delancey. The design intent is simply to create "history-backwards" from Ave. B to old Havana, by implementing design styles ranging from (current to past) "ghetto hodge-podge", "maintenance", "sentimental" and "colonial"...ultimately arriving at a "place to eat, drink and socialize" that is gently haunted by the many incarnations of its' past. Call it a decidedly "chic state of decay", if not decadence. Cantina plans offer an all day menu 7 days from 12pm till 6am and sports 45 seats in 2 rooms, a big family table, open kitchen, french doors, book cases, a wide selection of Latin beers & sodas, novel sangrias, champagne cocktails and wines. Cantina just ooooozes 'downtown.' It doesn't hurt that the staff is outfitted in hipster pants from Fresh Ink and custom tees.
· Neroni Behind Bars BREAKING UPDATE: Neroni Out of the Clink, Court Date Set [~E~]