BLOCKBUSTER: Spotted Pig, Freemans Honchos Teaming on Rusty Knot
Thursday, February 14, 2008

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The Rusty Knot, soon

So, how's about we go ahead and blow your minds now? Ken Friedman (Spotted Pig, John Dory) and Taavo Somer (Freemans, Bowery Hotel) have teamed up on a bar and restaurant. The king of the hottest restaurant on the East Side and the guy behind April Bloomfield's west side sizzler are doing a collab. Truth. Located in the former West Space at 425 West Street, the place is going to be called, we think, The Rusty Knot, complete with a nautical dive bar motif, designed by Somer, the guy who brought us such atmospheric gems as Freemans and the Bowery Hotel. A bowl of gnudi's toss from the Spotted Pig,— actually, a rickshaw ride away, if Friedman's promises of gratis rides between the venues pan out — it's Friedman's second West Village project, and something of a shocking twist, since we were expecting the John Dory to be his next big thing.

From a West Village correspondent who got a look at Rusty Knot space this past weekend:

Was inside the old West space last night, and it looks like it's almost ready for prime time, though it still has the West decals on the outside. It definitely has a nautical vibe with boat steering wheels, and a lot of wood, like an old ship. The furniture reminded me of something that you might have at a lake house upstate, kind of summer camp meets Adirondacks. There is a pool table, and a jukebox, but not sure if that is permanent or not. The space is small, so will definitely get crowded fast.

Two more bits, other than, do keep breathing. The place is slated to open in early March (but Mr. Friedman asks that we please not hold him to that just yet). Second, if you remember West, it's quite small. But whereas West had a center bar with seating and loitering space on all sides, Rusty Knot has carved out a chunk of that real estate for a kitchen. So, come spring time, it's going to be the hottest place on the planet and they really might not have any room for you.

Oh, before we forget. The chef originally slated to helm the kitchen? Does the name Ilan Hall ring a bell? Dude was in the running, but was ultimately was told to pack his knives. As for who is cheffing the place, who's agreed to helm one of the few dining rooms in NY that might refuse service to the Bruni, we shall see.
· Unconfirmed Exclusive: Friedman Teaming with Freemans in Former West Space [~E~]

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