[The current front entrance of Momofuku Ko at 8 Extra Place]
Not too many businesses have had any success in Extra Place, the pedestrian walkway off of First Street between the Bowery and Second Avenue.
Red Hook Lobster Pound was the most recent casualty in this former alley that ran behind CBGB. (Read about the history of Extra Place dating to 1800 here.)
That is with the exception of David Chang's Momofuku Ko, which relocated to 8 Extra Place from First Avenue in November 2014.
Things have been going so well here, apparently, at the critically acclaimed Ko, where the tasting menu is $195 per person, that they are expanding.
Chang and company are on this month's CB3-SLA docket for an alteration of an existing liquor license. According to the paperwork on file at the CB3 website, they are creating a new waiting/dining area with 6-7 tables and 14 seats for a kitchen counter/bar. (You can read their questionnaire/PDF here.)
Here's a diagram at the CB3 website with what the expanded Ko will look like...
[Click for a better look]
The paperwork appears on the doorway of 12 Extra Place, which will be the new entrance...
The sign for the now-closed boutique Inventory remains above the doorway.
The space looks to be in use as an office right now...
So a quick Extra Place business recap: The Japanese housewares boutique Nalata Nalata has the corner space at No. 2. Momofuku Ko will take up No. 4 through 12 (or 14). No. 16 was the Red Hook Lobster Pound. No. 18 is a prep kitchen for Daniel Boulud.
Moving forward Momofuku Place might be a better name for Extra Place.
The May SLA committee meeting is next Monday (the 15th!) at 6:30 p.m. Location: Perseverance House Community Room, 535 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.
Previously on EV Grieve:
With new restaurant opening, will Extra Place finally become a dining destination?
Extra Place now officially a Dead End
Extra Place and Heidi currently 'closed for renovation' in Extra Place
Red Hook Lobster Pound in the works for Extra Place
A few more details on Momofuku Ko (aka, TBD) coming to Extra Place
