Steve Hanson to Open Japanese Concept Kibo Next Month

In April, news broke that big dog restaurateur Steve Hanson had signed the lease on the former Japonais space at 111 East 18th Street with plans to turn it into an "Asian-themed" restaurant. Now, Flo Fab reports that it will be a Japanese place (Hanson's first) called Kibo, and it's slated to open sometime next month.

The menu will have dishes made on a robata grill plus sushi, noodles, and small plates made with organic ingredients that put an emphasis on "nutritional benefits." The bi-level space will have two bars plus a lounge and a DJ booth. As it's being pitched, Kibo actually doesn't sound all that different from Japonais, but if there's anyone that can pull off big box Asian in Gramercy, it's probably Steve Hanson.

In case you're wondering, the name means "wish" in Japanese.
· Stephen Hanson to Open Kibo in Japonais Space [DJ]
· All Coverage of Steve Hanson [~ENY~]
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