McDonald & Capon Win Approval for First St. Steakhouse

John McDonald and his team won unanimous approval from the Community Board 3 on Monday night for their new steakhouse project in the old Veselka Bowery space. The CB3 gave the initial thumbs up to both a full liquor license and cafe seating. McDonald's frequent collaborator/best bud Josh Capon is a partner on this new project, and so is Peter Kane, of Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social. No word yet on when the restaurant will open, but hopefully the steaks will be hitting the grill by the end of the year. Meyer Davis Studio, the company that created the interiors for El Toro Blanco and both Lure restaurants, is designing the new place.

In other East Village news, Alex Stupak also received initial approval from the CB3 for his new Empellon project on St. Marks Place. The chef tweeted: "Okay! I have a liquor license at 132 St. Marks now. I guess I'd better build a restaurant now."
· The East Village Is Getting a John McDonald Steakhouse [~ENY~]