It came as quite a surprise a month ago when James Beard Award winner for Rising Star Chef, Food & Wine magazine Rising Star Chef and award-winning cookbook author Nate Appleman abruptly left his acclaimed restaurants in San Francisco, A-16 and SPQR. Rumor had it that he was headed to New York. Speculation as to where he would land caused rumors to run rampant among the food community. Some even suggested that he might be one of the contestants for the next Iron Chef. He seemed to have a keen interest in local pizzerias (that are popping up everywhere) going so far as to ask those who follow him on Twitter what the bets pizzerias in NYC were. Early in August he did a one night only gig at Williamsburg's Motorino. Yet his permanent plans remained a mystery.
Just after the opening of Minetta Tavern, owner Keith McNally was interviewed by the Restaurant Girl. During the interview Mr. McNally revealed that his next project, already in the works, was to be a pizzeria on Bowery set to open in December called Pulino Pizzeria.
Word came this past week that the two had joined forces. With a stable of restaurants that includes, among others, Balthazar, Pastis and Morandi, this is an impressive move for McNally. And one that I find very exciting. Having always been an admirer of all of the McNally restaurants and having read so much about Appleman, including his cookbook, I hope that this marriage is made in food heaven.
This is so exciting. I think in preparation for the opening, you should have a pizza tasting...or perhaps a traveling pizza tour one weekend of all the best spots in the city. You know Stephen Starr recently went after the pie-throwers at Lucali.
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