Nightingale 9 Opens Tonight

Nightingale 9 is opening tonight on Smith Street. In preserving past and present, fading from the former signage hasn't been painted over. But don't worry, it's not really Benevento Florist, it's the highly anticipated restaurant from the Seersucker team. The Nightingale 9 sign hangs on the restaurant's north-facing window; the name painted therein inspired by an old Brooklyn phone exchange: NI9.

We got a sneak peak of the new digs at last night's preview party and found wonderfully flavored food riddled with the nuances that have made Seersucker the neighborhood favorite it is. Most of what was being passed around, albeit delicious, isn't going to be on the menu. But the fried rice, chicken congee, and buttermilk-brined, rice-battered fried chicken with fresh grated coconut showcase clean flavors and a learned execution. Chef Robert Newton isn't "trying to reinvent the wheel," he told us. Instead, he aims to do what he and partner Kerry Diamond do at Seersucker and Smith Canteen; provide well-sourced, thoughtful food. At Nightingale 9, it just happens to be of Vietnamese influence.

Nightingale 9 | 345 Smith Street | 347-689-4699 | www

Weekdays 6pm - 10pm; weekends 6pm - 11pm

Closed Wednesdays

Show Me a Sign: Nightingale 9

Out of all the work that goes into opening a restaurant, it's the sign going up that tells the public the space is almost ready. And with the constant cycle of restaurants opening here in the city, we thought we'd introduce a column called "Show Me a Sign." So, using signage as our informant, we'll bring you photos and news of projects as they ready to open around town. First up? Nightingale 9, the third venture from Kerry Diamond and chef Rob Newton. Signage went up recently at 345 Smith Street, and the restaurant is set to open next Thursday, February 21st.

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