What's Happening?
Following the closure of the acclaimed yet controversial Hollywood restaurant Horses in late December, some of its staff have initiated a new pop-up residency in Chinatown. The closure was attributed to building repairs and financial issues, including
multiple tax liens against the restaurant's parent company. Brittany Ha, a former co-chef at Horses, has teamed up with fellow chefs Hannah Grubba and Alex Riley to launch a pop-up at Café Triste. This new venture, named after Ha's son Bruce, will feature a rotating menu available every Wednesday to Friday throughout February. The pop-up aims to offer a more intimate dining experience, with dishes such as radicchio agro dolce with goat cheese and Carnaroli rice pudding with kumquat marmalade.
Why It's Important?
The pop-up residency represents a significant opportunity for the chefs to continue their culinary endeavors despite the challenges faced by Horses. It highlights the resilience and adaptability of restaurant professionals in the face of financial and operational difficulties. This move also underscores the ongoing trend of pop-up dining experiences in urban areas, which offer chefs a platform to experiment and connect with diners in a more personal setting. For the local community, it provides a chance to enjoy innovative cuisine while supporting chefs who have been part of a well-regarded restaurant.
What's Next?
The future of the Horses restaurant remains uncertain, with no updates provided on its potential reopening. Meanwhile, the pop-up at Café Triste will continue through February, offering a unique dining experience that may influence the chefs' future projects. The success of this pop-up could lead to more permanent opportunities for the chefs involved, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in the culinary community.
