Bo’s, which opens Friday, October 25th in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, is part New Orleans, part New York and part invention, dedicated to fresh ingredients and produce. Partner Steven Kristel and chef/partner Todd Mitgang, who together run South Edison in Montauk, are bringing a casual yet sophisticated dining experience that hints at a rich past, while catering to contemporary cuisine.
Mitgang, who also runs the popular Crave Fishbar in Midtown East, presents an ingredient-focused menu that pays tribute to New Orleans flavors and ingredients in an innovative culinary fashion. The menu changes regularly, but Mitgang’s food consistently exhibits French, Spanish, African, and Italian elements – cuisines that have made their mark in New Orleans. Current standout dishes include a basket of Crispy Alligator (fried in a tempura-like batter) with chili aioli; Torched Red Snapper Crudo; Grilled Squab with house-cured bacon; Gulf Shrimp Fra Diavolo; and Curried Goat. His plating is artful while still looking irresistibly delicious.
The beverage program includes six beers on tap, wines by the glass and bottle, and cocktails designed by Jeremy Strawn (Black Hound Bar & Lounge, Mulberry Project). Strawn is crafting New Orleans classics, such as the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz, as well as specialty concoctions that pay tribute to iconic Bayou figures, such as the Soulja Slim with gin, ginger, apricot and rose water, named for the late New Orleans emcee. Bo’s also boasts a Pickle Martini program where diners choose their spirit (gin or vodka) and pickled market vegetable (okra, fresno pepper and more).
The 60-seat dining room is casually elegant and features wood parquet flooring, marble tables and rich teal velvet banquets – including an eight-person booth. The bar area, which is sectioned off from the dining room, has handmade patterned cement tiles, custom bar stools with leather cushions and a gorgeous cast zinc bar top. Much of the décor, including the zinc walls, the lounge and the bar’s wood paneling, was designed by artist Siran Pirani, who also worked on South Edison. There is a romantic dining lounge downstairs as well, which is available for private events. The overall design concept of the restaurant was by Nicole Cota of Nicole Cota Studios.
The name Bo’s pays tribute to Andrew “Bo” Young III, son of Civil Rights Movement icon Andrew Young II, and the long history of the Young family in New Orleans. The Young family’s love and appreciation for the progressive cuisine and ingredients of New Orleans spurred Kristel and Chef Mitgang to create this restaurant. Bo Young and Kristel have been partners in many ventures and are excited to open Bo’s, bringing the perfect blend of flavor, ambience, community and entertainment to West 24th Street
