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Welcome to AM Intel in the time of coronavirus, a round-up of the city’s newest bits of restaurant-related intel. Follow Eater on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date details on how COVID-19 is impacting the city’s dining scene.
Cozy new cocktail bar Kanpai Club debuts next to Heights handroll spot
An intimate new bar next door to popular handroll restaurant Hando is now open. Kanpai Club (kanpai means “cheers” in Japanese) is a tiny venue — just 400 square feet — meant to serve as both a late-night destination and an overflow space for people waiting for a seat at the equally-small Hando. In addition to craft cocktails — there’s a drink called the Flux Capacitor made with aged rum, macadamia, and banana — Kanpai Club will also serve late-night bites such as curry fries, chicken karaage, and a salmon flatbread with yuzu kosho. Kanpai Club is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cult fave Montrose Mediterranean restaurant plots a second location in the Heights
AL Quick Stop, the takeaway Mediterranean restaurant inside a convenience store on Waugh Street, is planning a second location in The Heights, according to Culturemap. The restaurant, which was originally supposed to expand into Railway Heights, will instead open at 518 West 1tth Street where it will be neighbors with Hando, the above-mentioned Kanpai Club. and The Bearded Baker. Owner Moe Elsaadi, who operates the restaurant and convenience store with his father Toufic, told Culturemap that the move will bring a much-needed infusion of Mediterranean cuisine into The Heights. The new location is expected to open in July.
Former KUU, Brennan’s alumnus will host intimate chef’s table dinners at Bravery Chef Hall
Chef Martin Weaver, previously of KUU and Brennan’s, has been hosting weekly chef’s table dinners at Bravery Chef Hall as a way to preview his new restaurant, Whatever Fresh, which is expected to open later this year. For $95 a person, diners can enjoy five courses, as well as drinks, in a socially-distanced environment with up to 14 other people. Each month, Weaver focuses on a different theme. January was “Essence of Winter”, and February is “Into The Woods.” The dinners will happen every Saturday night until Weaver is ready to open his restaurant. Bookings can be made via Resy by searching for Bravery Chef Hall.
