Patsy's Alums and Former FBI Agent to Open Plum Pizzeria

On August 4, yet another pie joint will join the ranks of East Village pizzerias. It's far too early to know how Plum Pizzeria & Bar, which is opening at 157 2nd Ave. in the old Cafe Brama space, will stand up to the likes of Veloce and Motorino, but it does have a good back story.

Years ago, Dave Jorin, then an NYPD officer, met and quickly befriended a manager named Alex while he dined with his partner at Patsy's. Dave and Alex remained friends over the years, while Jorin joined the ranks of the G-men and worked out of the FBI's New York field office.

Occasionally Dave would frequent Patsy’s to check on his buddy Alex, and it was there one night where he met his next pizza partner, a waiter Antonis. This unlikely trio had formed such a bond over the years during the time they had spent together, they decided to open their own pizza joint. There was one hitch though—Jorin was a special agent with the FBI, which forbade him from owning a business or applying for a liquor license. After leaving the Police department five years before retirement and now leaving the FBI to open a restaurant, it seemed seemed like a risky move. But after deciding to take a giant leap, he and his partners took over the 2nd Ave. space.

When it opens in two weeks, Plum Pizzeria and Bar will feature various whole pies (small $15 large $17) with a slew of toppings along with salads and pastas like parpadelle alla Toscana, and spaghetti di Grano duro with spring vegetables. And (wild card) Plum is also including a burger with mozzarella cheese and tomato tucked into a Pita pocket.
—Darren Atkins