Artesano, the Peruvian restaurant designed for chef Rodrigo Fernandini, who has a solid CV and a big following for Ayllu, his restaurant in St. Pete, opens tonight. The owners gutted the former Kaede sushi restaurant at 90 Chambers, just east of Church, and have created a 45-seat space with banquettes and a spacious bar.

For a sense of the menu, think carefully prepared and presented (there are tweezers involved) ceviche, grilled octopus, smoky chipotle chimichurri, and native dishes from Peru, such as tacacho with cecina — smashed plantains with lard and salted meat. There is an a la carte menu as well as a $140 tasting menu, a VIP table tasting menu ($150) and a private dining room downstairs.

The kitchen is open to the dining room and the bar area, and the decor is warm and green with a lot of wood and velvet. Of course, more TK when I can get over there. In the meantime, watching the preparation below is so soothing…

Artesano
90 Chambers | Church & Broadway
212-244-6575
Tuesday to Sunday, 4 to 10p

 

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