Jean-Georges Wants in on the Megamarket Movement

Jean-Georges Vongerichten told the Post yesterday about his plans to open a market in the basement of ABC Carpet & Home on Broadway. The 8,500 square-foot space was home to the Conran Shop before it closed in July. Vongerichten notes the "success of Eataly" in the Post article and goes on to say, “It’s just an idea now. But food is a part of life. People are foodies and love to shop for food. We will keep it very local and very American."

The pending market will sell local, artisanal products and be the third to open from Vongerichten in the ABC Carpet & Home building. ABC Kitchen came first when it opened to rave reviews in 2010. The second, ABC Cocina, is yet to open, but will do so early next year in the Pipa space on East 19th Street. The same ingredient-driven approach to cooking that defines ABC Kitchen will inspire the Spanish-influenced small plates that will make up ABC Cocina's menu.

Jean-Georges To Open ABC Cocina

Jean-Georges opened ABC Kitchen in March of 2010. When the restaurant opened, he refered to it as his "new, farm-to-table restaurant," with a "market-driven menu." Shortly after opening, Sam Sifton gave the restaurant two stars. 

In lieu of the restaurant's continuing success, Jean-Georges will take over the Pipa space at ABC Carpet & Home. Pipa, known "for its innovative take on traditional Spanish tapas," will close this winter and reopen early next year, after Paulette Cole, CEO and Creative Director of ABC Home, redoes the space. She is responsible for the farmhouse effect and recycled materials that adorn ABC Kitchen's interior. The new project will be called ABC Cocina and look to Spanish speaking countries for inspiration for its small plates menu.

"I'll Be Right There, I Just Have to Cook Dinner for the President Really Quick"

Dan Kluger has his hands full tonight.  The executive chef will cook for the Chief Executive as ABC Kitchen hosts a $35,800 a head charity dinner. The Times gives a rundown of the evening and digestNY wonders if there will be pizza on the menu...

Dan Kluger, "Mushrooms, Parmesan, Oregano And Farm Egg Pizza" from Eater NY.