Former Chinatown Brasserie Gets Cleaned Out; Signs Go Up

On Wednesday, June 20th, there was a same day announcement that Chinatown Brasserie would be closing at the end of the day.  Workers were inside cleaning out the 380 Lafayette Street address yesterday and a look through the doors revealed a completely gutted space. 

Partners Josh Pickard, John McDonald, and chef Joe Ng said they would look for a smaller space in the same neighborhood to reopen later this year.  A few hours after it was announced CB was closing, Andrew Carmellini, who is a partner with Josh Pickard and Luke Ostrom in Locanda Verde and The Dutch, confirmed his group was taking over the space and planning a French restaurant.

There are "Nous somme la cuisine" posters on the windows of the yet to be named Carmellini space:

Andrew Carmellini Plans French Restaurant in Former Chinatown Brasserie Space

The owners of Chinatown Brasserie announced they are closing their six-year-old restaurant on Lafayette Street today. Josh Pickard, John McDonald, and chef Joe Ng have plans to reopen in a smaller venue in the same neighborhood, where they feel the restaurant can be a better experience. Joe Ng will continue his duties as executive chef at West Village hotspot Redfarm. 

Josh Pickard is a partner with Luke Ostrom and Andrew Carmellini in Locanda Verde and The Dutch. Diner's Journal reports today that the powerhouse team is taking over the old Brasserie space and planning a French restaurant.

Mum will be much of the word while the project is in its infant stages, but we know Carmellini is well-versed in French cuisine. He worked under Gary Kunz at Lespinasse and with Daniel Boulud at Cafe Boulud.  It will be interesting to see what the partners do with the two floors at 380 Lafayette Street.

Pete Wells + RedFarm = 2 Stars

Pete Wells is a big fan of dumplings.  At Red Farm, the new(ish) market driven Chinese restaurant in the West Village, he gives them and the rest of the menu two stars.

Redfarm is the wok work of restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld and chef Joe Ng.  Joe Ng doubles as executive chef at Chinatown Brasserie on Lafayette Street.

So that makes Ed, Joe, and the dumplings the face of the restaurant, right?

Update on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 4:22PM by Craig Cavallo

Chinatown Brasserie closes and Andrew Carmellini takes on new lease.  Owners plan to reopen in the same neighborhood under a smaller roof sometime this fall.