Thursday, October 13, 2022

Nomad is closed for now on 2nd Avenue while owner takes a 'much-needed break'

Photo by Kevin Frech

Nomad, the low-key Mediterranean and North African restaurant at 78 Second Ave., has gone dark in recent days. Someone has removed the sign and paper covers the windows here between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

The restaurant's website now notes that it has closed "until further notice." 

Owner Mehenni Zebentout shed some light on the situation in an Instagram post from Monday: 
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has raised a glass and joined me for a meal — either at Cucina Di Pesce, Belcourt or Nomad…or all three! You became part of my family, and you helped me realize my dream of bringing the food and culture of my country to live here in NYC. 

After 33 years in this industry, I am taking a much-needed break to visit my family, regroup and plan my next chapter. This is not goodbye; more like stay tuned for what's next. As David Bowie once said, "I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."
I look forward to sharing my next adventure(s) with you soon.

In June 2020, writer Richard Morgan had this to say about the place: "Nomad radiates a defiant truth: It is the coolest, tastiest, truest restaurant that New York's galloping gourmands have no interest in letting anyone know about (if they themselves even know about it at all)."

Nomad first opened in 2006. 

5 comments:

  1. understood, but i will miss this place :(

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  2. That break was needed a long time ago already, as the place, and especially its service, had deteriorated immensely since its wonderful glory days.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hope he has a great break. I haven't been getting out to eat often these days (for obvious reasons) but, I was definitely worried when I saw Nomad dark.

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  4. Nomad no more

    This is a rant
    Of a world laid to rest
    A cultural hub
    That was one of the best!
    Inside was pure art
    In every detail
    An oasis of love
    On which I set sail ~
    I met my wife here
    Perhaps it was fate
    We both worked to make it
    A place ultimate…
    She was ‘The Best Server’
    As well as the First
    I ate as payment
    Most everyday with a thirst
    For great food and drink
    And that good looking crew
    With magical meals
    The next thing I knew
    I walked down the isle
    With Carol Marie
    As we had begun
    Our small family
    Mehenni had catered
    And man was it grand
    He knew how to party
    Great food made by hand
    But Uncle Mehenni
    Was always on point
    Feeding his people
    In this North African Joint
    Lamb Tagine, Cous Cous Royale
    Harrisa flavors from exotic locale
    Chicken Briwats and Haloumi Cheese
    And let’s not forget
    Salima’s famous cookies!
    Seventeen years
    He served this town well
    Hosting events
    Too many to tell
    Musicians and Dancers
    Shaking their hips
    Singers and poets
    All with pursed lips
    Nomad was a place
    With happy good vibes
    An East Village gem
    Home to it’s valuable tribes
    It will surely be missed
    By me and many
    We’re grateful for the time
    Long live Mehenni!


    Steel Neal
    10/11/22

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  5. Steel Neal said it best in his comment. The place had it all from the superlative decor to the superlative food. The spices were so sophisticated and so straight from North Africa. Let's hope Mahani launches another venture and does so soon. Too soon won't be soon enough.

    Bert S

    ReplyDelete

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