Brassaii gears up for summer with a revamped patio, a new menu—and a new chef
The makeover of King West has been going on for over a decade now, and members of the old guard (relatively speaking) are trying to reinvent themselves to keep up with some of the new kids on the block. Brassaii, one of the first resto-lounges to call King West home, is doing just that, with a newly renovated patio and accompanying menu—executed by a new chef.
The new Mediterranean-inspired menu is the brainchild of Brassaii’s new executive chef, Chris Kalisperas, previously the sous-chef under the departing Bruce Woods (both formerly of Centro). His fare will focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on making things in-house, including bread, pastas and sheep’s milk ricotta. Though the menu hasn’t been finalized, Kalisperas promises dishes like beet carpaccio with a ginger vinaigrette, sablefish with sweet parsnip purée and a brunch heavy on some trendy proteins: pork belly and duck confit. Woods, meanwhile, who left his gig as chef and co-owner at Centro in 2009 to head up the kitchen at Brassaii, is apparently on the verge of opening his own upscale spot in the Financial District.
Following on the heels of last year’s stylish overhaul of the interior courtesy of The Design Agency, Brassaii’s patio has just met a similar fate. The new cedar-heavy space should now feel less cramped thanks to an extended deck, additional banquettes and a second bar in the cobblestone courtyard—all of which should alleviate the usual crush of thirsty patrons.
Brassaii, 461 King St. W., 416-598-4730, brassaii.com.
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