One of Greenwich Village’s favorite jazz clubs finally has a new replacement.
Derek Feldman is currently known as one of the fastest-growing names in New York’s hospitality scene. Known for his masterful eye for spotting market opportunities and launching bold, exciting businesses, he opened his first restaurant, Sushi On Jones in 2016. As New York’s first-ever outdoor sushi bar, Sushi On Jones earned rave reviews from press nearly as soon as it opened, enabling him to open his second concept, Uchu in 2017.
Offering an ultra-exclusive and unique dining experience in a 12-seat omakase bar, Uchu earned astonishing praise thanks to the culinary genius of Chef Eiji Ichimura. Establishing a serene oasis in the middle of the bustling city, Uchu offered beautifully hand-crafted sushi and rooftop garden vegetables in a minimalist space that harkened back to classic Japanese design. Sadly, Uchu closed its doors for good last December in response to the pandemic, but thankfully Feldman is preparing a brand new restaurant concept to make up for it.
His latest concept, which has yet to be titled, is currently slated to open up at 29 Cornelia Street. The concept is described as a “blend of comfort and high-end cuisine” that will serve “Japanese American fusion/Izakaya in an intimate setting.” The space at 29 Cornelia Street was once home to The Cornelia Street Cafe, a legendary restaurant and nightclub that operated from 1977 to 2018. Considered to be one of the world’s premiere jazz clubs, the cafe was a Mecca to Greenwich Village’s many poets, artists, and musicians. The location offers an estimated 2,100 square feet of space between the first floor and cellar and is expected to seat a total of 58 guests at once, including a small sidewalk cafe planned for the building’s exterior.
According to a sample menu provided with Feldman’s liquor license, the new restaurant will serve small bites like flaming hot mochi fires and spicy edamame, as well as appetizers like mochi dumplings, fried chicken karage, and tomago tostada. For entrees, options range from the super smash burger and A5 Wagu katso sando to the tea-smoked yakitori and hong kong style duck. For dessert, guests can expect exciting new dishes like the aerated foie gras beignet and the “edible balloon” (whatever that means!).
Feldman is currently in the process of acquiring a new liquor license for the space and is proposing operating hours of 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday through Wednesday, and 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM Thursday through Saturday, though those hours are subject to change pending the board’s decision. While Feldman and the team still have a lot of work ahead of them before they can share further details, you will just need to keep your eyes peeled on the space for future signs of life.
