Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Cotan looks closed on First Avenue


Cotan, the Japanese restaurant on First Avenue just north of St. Mark's Place, has apparently closed... Well, there's that sign on the front door...


...and when we called to check last night, we found that the number wasn't in service. The space shouldn't be empty for long: Something called Iconic Hand Rolls is on this month's CB3/SLA docket for a wine-beer license. And it's the same address as Cotan.

As you may know, Cotan took over the space after Shiki Kitchen closed at the end of 2009. (Rent hike.) Jeremiah wrote about Chef Shiki, a former boxer, and his intricate paper creations here.

6 comments:

Dr Gecko said...

Iconic Hand Rolls? How can this possibly be legal?

Anonymous said...

Shiki Kitchen was the best! I miss it so much I loved listening to him sing and he even made a little paper chihuahua once :( so much character in a tiny little sushi spot

Anonymous said...

Agreed, Shiki's was the best. The family was always pleasant to me. I think the mother was trying to interest me in the daughter, for marriage, I hope, but I declined.

Anonymous said...

Cotan was huge upgrade over Shiki's in terms of food. The owner/kitchen chef said he may close because of his health issues.

Anonymous said...

WHAT!?!?!? is this Joke!?!? Cotan was super great! It can not be compared with Shiki at all. I've got find out what happened!!!!!

Jared said...

The owner founder Sushi Master of Cotan opened up near the Blue Note in the late 70s. Closed for a couple years, then reopened here. Huge jazz fan of full years.