Tristan Simon, the Pied Piper of Henderson Avenue, has formed a partnership with Donald (Park) Chick to redo the old Cuba Libre space. Simon’s Consilient Restaurants is the controlling partner and will oversee the food and operations. Chick, a “significant minority partner,” will be in charge of transforming the space. “He did a great job at Park,” says Simon. “His lead hand is his ability to design concepts.”
The transformation of the interior also extends to the food. No more Cuban or Caribbean cuisine, Simon has promoted long-time Consilient employee and current executive sous at The Porch, Hector Hernandez, to take charge of the kitchen. The menu will be “Elevated Mexican Cuisine” and built around a large selection of Mexican street foods and regional specialties. “It will be an urban interpretation of Mexican foods and based on sharing,” says Simon. “The space will be extremely social and party oriented with chef-driven fare and an exciting cocktail program.”
The name has yet to be determined and I think we should have a say in the name of the place we may soon choose to party. Name it. Go.