Reps for Unapologetic Foods describe Naks, 201 First Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street, as "a soulful heritage Filipino restaurant." Dhamaka Chef de Cuisine Eric Valdez, raised in the Philippines, will helm the kitchen at Naks.
A Naks rep shared this info about the restaurant expected to open this fall:
In Tagalog, Naks is slang for an expression of surprise and admiration. The menu and dining room will be divided into two sections: one serving regional dishes a la carte, and the other a tasting menu known as Kamayan, where the food is served family style on a banana leaf and eating with one's hands is encouraged.
You can sign up for updates from Naks here. Grub Street has a preview of the restaurant here.
Last year, we heard that Unapologetic's acclaimed restaurant, Adda Indian Canteen, would relocate to No. 201 from its current Long Island City home. However, they decided to pivot to a different concept for the space.
No. 201 was previously home to Jeepney, the Filipino gastropub that closed in September 2021 after nine years at this location.
Unapologetic also operates the fried-chicken outpost, Rowdy Rooster, at 149 First Ave. at Ninth Street. They previously announced plans for the kebab-focused Kebabwala at 82 Second Ave.
so, Kebabwala still in the works? it’s way past spring.
ReplyDeleteI think it's nice that Filipino food will continue to be served from this spot. There's not a ton of it downtown.
ReplyDeletesarah, you are correct. There were many spots back in the day. Fyi if you have not had air fried crispy pata, you need to try it immediately.
ReplyDelete