ABistro Finally Making Moves
Last summer we revealed that ABistro would be expanding into the Cellars space at Vanderbilt and Dekalb in Fort Greene. Despite the fact that the move-in was slated for this past winter, it never came to pass. But now there are a few signs of promise: The “Cellars” signage is long gone, and the restaurant…
Last summer we revealed that ABistro would be expanding into the Cellars space at Vanderbilt and Dekalb in Fort Greene. Despite the fact that the move-in was slated for this past winter, it never came to pass. But now there are a few signs of promise: The “Cellars” signage is long gone, and the restaurant applied for a liquor license this month. Perhaps we can hope for a summer opening.
Old Cellars Space to Re-Open Soon [Brownstoner]
New Cellars Tenant Revealed! [Brownstoner] GMAP
Went the other night. Interior is great. Food was great. The music was a little weird (rock?). Also heard Carl Hancock Rux is affiliated but I haven’t seen him around though my friends said opening night he was there. What’s up with the white hostess? I thought Abistro was Senegalese and black owned. They should rethink that.
Went to the opening of the new space last night. The decor is decidedly not boho chic but chic. Absolutely gorgeous. There were huge flower arrangements of pink protea and fan paw. The walls were decorated in modern silver masks, and the tables were beautiful wood slabs. The bar is black and there’s a lounge seating area. Looks like the Abistro owners got someb real professionals to consult on the design and decorating front. I was shocked.
Yes, it’s unbelievably ugly. But these are small business owners, not Bobby Flay. It’s not realistic to imagine that they will be significantly rebuilding the ground floor.
Can we get an update on the former Rice space too? They said that they’d be opening around May/June, but it doesn’t look like there’s been much action there.
I doubt that was built with any input at all from the NYC department of buildings.
That whole building is in need of some serious TLC. It’s the crappiest looking building on the block, and on such an amazing intersection. I hope Abistro replaces the retractable awning, but looking at their old (current) digs on Carlton, their aesthetic is boho-chic, so I doubt they’re do more than some lousy paint job.