The operators of Chili in Midtown are looking to open an “Asian fusion restaurant” called Wonderland in the East Village.
Miki Niu and Zhouyu Tso are seeking the space in a mixed-use building formerly occupied by The Mermaid Inn since 2003 to house their second concept. Chili is an authentic Sichuan restaurant born in 2021 that is helmed by chef Peter He who was head chef of a kitchen that received a Michelin star.
Wonderland is slated to offer 14 tables with 53 seats, as well as one stand up bar, and its anticipated hours of operation are 4 p.m. to midnight daily, however, its backyard patio will close an hour or two earlier. The backyard is anticipated to offer two tables with nine seats.
Its proposed menu includes appetizers such as oysters for $10-$18 and Thai-style grilled tiger prawn for $15, entrees such as Thai-style shrimp fried rice for $22, basil lemongrass beef for $45, and cumin lamb chops for $29, and desserts such as mango ripieno and chocolate mousse glass both for $10. The team is also seeking a full liquor license.
Both Niu and Tso also have experience working at Café China in Midtown near Bryant Park.
