Après closes 3 weeks after debut; Unidentified Flying Chickens on the way in

[Photo from early Friday evening]

Wow. After a splashy, well-publicized revamp, Après has closed for good, Eater first reported Friday afternoon.

Apiary, the nearly 6-year-old restaurant at 60 Third Ave. near East 11th Street, closed for renovations in early May … reopening May 8 as Après with a new chef and a "modern, vegetable-centric menu."

What happened?

It was "a difference in vision between the chef and management," managing partner Jenny Moon told Paper, who also has the scoop on what's next for the space: the first Manhattan branch of the well-regarded Jackson Heights-based Unidentified Flying Chickens.

Here is New York magazine on the place:

Unidentified Flying Chickens finesses its fowl in a winning style that is all the rage in Seoul. Perdue birds are coated with highly spiced batter, deep-fried in vegetable oil, drained of excess grease, and fried again. This technique cooks out the schmaltz and crisps the tasty crust.

So the Third Avenue space will be revamped (again!) "into a more casual spot with 18-20 craft beers on tap," according to Paper.

Apiary is now Après on 3rd Avenue

[Photo from Saturday]

We noticed that Apiary, the nearly 6-year-old restaurant at 60 Third Ave. near East 11th Street, was closed for renovations last weekend… there was a quick changeover, as Apiary has become Après, which Grub Street reports features a new chef and a "modern, vegetable-centric menu."


[Wednesday]

They also serve a ramp cocktail.

You can check out the new menu at Zagat. Après has a good publicist. There are also features at Gothamist and The Village Voice.

At Apiary: New American and no booze for minors

Apiary has been described as a "new American" restuarant. Open Table (via Eater) offered this description: "Apiary fills a unique niche in the East Village...the chef’s interpretation of American, Regional and Seasonal ingredients will exceed the expected and excite the palates of the guest, offered with all the warmth of hospitable service in a refined setting." It opens soon at 60 E. Third Ave. near 11th Street, a location that used to house the type of business that is becoming extinct in the neighborhood: a laundromat.

By the way, the management at Apiary wants you to know that minors won't be served any booze. Noted.