What's Happening?
Following the closure of the acclaimed yet controversial Hollywood restaurant Horses, some of its chefs have initiated a new pop-up residency in Chinatown. The restaurant, which closed in December due to building repairs and financial issues, had been embroiled in scandal following allegations of abuse and animal cruelty against its founding chefs. Brittany Ha, a former co-chef at Horses, has teamed up with fellow chefs Hannah Grubba and Alex Riley to launch a new pop-up at Café Triste. This residency, named after Ha's son Bruce, will feature a rotating menu served from 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 launch of this pop-up residency is significant as it represents a new chapter for the chefs involved, allowing them to continue their culinary endeavors despite the closure of Horses. This move also highlights the resilience and adaptability of restaurant professionals in the face of adversity, particularly in an industry that has been heavily impacted by financial and reputational challenges. For the local dining scene, the pop-up offers a unique opportunity for patrons to experience innovative cuisine in a more personal setting, potentially setting a trend for similar ventures in the future.
What's Next?
The pop-up residency at Café Triste is set to run through February, with the possibility of extending or evolving based on its success and reception. The chefs involved may explore further opportunities to establish a permanent venue or continue with pop-up events. The future of the Horses restaurant remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether it will reopen or if the brand will be reimagined in a different form. The culinary community and patrons will likely keep a close watch on these developments.
