Weekly Opening Report: The Week Of April 14
Every week, we take a look at some of the restaurants that have opened or will soon open across the country. Here's this week's roundup:
The Daily Meal has learned that chef Ryan Hildebrand of Houston's progressive American-focused Triniti will open FM 903 this winter. Hildebrand is planning to make the restaurant a self-sustaining "farm-to-chef" concept, complete with its own greenhouse.
This summer, chef Patricio Sandoval will bring Mercadito, his flagship concept, to Las Vegas' Red Rock Casino. Mercadito serves family-style traditional Mexican cuisine with modern touches, and currently has locations in Chicago, New York, and San Diego.
This coming Monday, Nick Mautone, formerly of the legendary Gramercy Tavern, will open Heartwood in Chelsea. Dishes will include innovative, non-traditional pizza options as well as a variety of roasted meat, vegetables, and fish. James Beard Award-winner Bradford Thompson will run the kitchen. Pastry chef Megan Fahey and boulanger Nick Fiorentino, formerly of Daniel Boulud's flagship French restaurant Daniel, will also join.
The Lower East Side's new Ludlow Hotel, due to open this June, will feature Dirty French, a Gallic bistro from Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick.
New York is getting a taste of Paris with Racines, a New York outpost of restaurateur David Lanher's Parisian wine bar. The new spot opened this week on Chambers St. in Tribeca and will focus on natural and organic wines. Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Duca, will oversee the menu, which will include choices like veal tartare and braised lamb shoulder.
Dairy-free ice cream chain DF Mavens will be getting their first brick-and-mortar location at St. Mark's Place and Second Ave. in June. Previously, DF Mavens had been exclusively a retail item sold at natural food markets like Whole Foods.
Taco-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar-shop Mexicue has designs on expanding beyond their current location, including a brand new catering warehouse in Williamsburg, and two additional Manhattan locations. Mexicue's Mexican barbecue menu includes sandwiches, burritos, and grilled soft tacos.
Former Apiary and Veritas executive chef Scott Bryan, will open Bacchanal next month in the Bowery. The restaurant will feature food inspired by France, Italy, and Spain while offering an extensive wine selection.
Orlando
Chef John Rivers, best known for 4 Rivers Smokehouse, is taking on Southern comfort at his brand new Winter Park restaurant The Coop, which opened earlier this week. Menu items include Southern-fried favorites like chicken and waffles, and fried green tomatoes.
Adam D'Arpino is the Restaurants Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDArpino.