Filipino and Thai Restaurant Taking Over Food Service at East Village Institution Jimmy's No. 43

East Village institution and drinking den Jimmy's No. 43 is getting ready to share its space with another restaurant: Tito King's Kitchen. Owner Jimmy Carbone is teaming up with chef King Phojanakong of Kuma Inn and Umi Nom for the Thai and Filipino concept, which will take over all food service for Jimmy's starting June 16. King, who has been friends with Carbone for years and has hosted pop-ups at the bar before, explains: "Jimmy is a big fan of my food, and I'm a big fan of his bar."

The project has been in the works for a while, but the timing only only a few months after a devastating fire that claimed two lives, brought down two buildings, and forced many places, including Jimmy's to shutter for weeks, isn't coincidental. Carbone hopes the new restaurant concept and its menu of pork belly adobo tacos and halo halo fries topped with pork, Japanese mayo, and bonito flakes, will help reinvigorate the space. He's also added a full liquor license and cocktails like a tequila paloma, lemongrass gin and tonic, and a vodka calamansi to pair with the new small plates menu. For those who looking for a feast, the duo will offer lechon, a whole roasted pig, for those who reserve a private dining room.