Picnic has apparently closed on Second Avenue

Picnic opened to great fanfare last September, garnering write-ups everywhere from Gothamist to Fork in the Road. (We cut-n-paste the news release here.)

The menu from chef Nicholas Nostadt, formerly of Williamsburg's Berry Park, leaned toward American comfort food. (Cheese Ball with Roquefort!) And the space was lovingly renovated.

In any event, it appears that Picnic has closed. Several readers have noted the space has been dark the past week or so. The phone kicks into a generic voice-mail greeting after a lot of rings. There's no sign on the door or mention of a closure on their Facebook page or website.

However, one person with knowledge of the restaurant, which formerly housed the Kiev one day a long time ago, said that it was closed.

The restaurant is also listed (PDF) for rent at Eastern Consolidated.

Per asking rent per the marketing flyer: "$14,354 per month with 4% increases per annum."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Storefront renovation for 117 Second Ave.; last call for Song 7.2?

A Picnic for Second Avenue

Here's more about Picnic, now open on Second Avenue

We noted the new-look exterior at 117 Second Ave. yesterday ... the restaurant space here at East Seventh Street (home to the Kiev, some time ago) is now apparently out of soft-open mode ... we received the official news release about Picnic yesterday afternoon.

To the release!

Partner Kamran Malekan and Executive Chef Nicholas Nostadt debut Picnic, offering a contemporary take on homespun classics inspired by Nostadt's Midwestern roots. The lofty, 70-seat restaurant is located on a sunny corner in the heart of the East Village, inviting nostalgia with a nod to picnic fare with a creative spin.

Chef Nostadt, formerly of Williamsburg's Berry Park, offers a menu of modern riffs on American classics, from small bites including the Cheese Ball with Roquefort, Bresaola, Dill, Braised Bosc Pear, Pickled Red Onions and Grilled Bread (cheese selections will rotate) and Mussels with Hard Cider, Apricot Nectar, Dijon Cream, Soft Herbs and Spices, to salads such as the Celery with Celery Leaves, Celery Root, Tarragon, New York State Apples, Capers, and Meyer Lemon Dressing. Sides and snacks include Scratch-Baked Beans, Boiled Peanuts and a riff on a Roll-Up made with Mortadella and Roquefort.

Entrees range from "Between the Bun" options such as the Pulled Pork Sandwich with Rootbeer BBQ and Roasted Corn & Cabbage Slaw, to a bucket of Fried Chicken with House-made Ranch Dressing, and a Whole Roasted Fish with Lemon, Garlic and Herbs. An assortment of house-made donuts, a rotating selection of pies and chef Nostadt's take on the beloved Midwestern Puppy Chow round out the menu. The beverage program consists of American beers on tap, bottled and canned brews, all-American wines and Counter Culture coffee.

Picnic is open seven days a week for dinner and late-night dining: Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 12 am.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Storefront renovation for 117 Second Ave.; last call for Song 7.2?

A Picnic for Second Avenue

New-look 117 Second Ave. revealed

[February]

Earlier in the year, workers started replacing the floor-to-ceiling aluminum/windows at the landmarked 117 Second Ave. at East Seventh Street... at the time, we thought that all this might ruin (OK) the distinctive characteristics of the corner building

[2007, via Curbed]

But! Workers have removed the renovation wrap...


[Robert Miner]


[RM]

And, well — actually looks pretty good, huh?



As previously noted, the restaurant space will be something called Picnic... which will reportedly be serving American comfort food like meatballs, sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. They are in soft-open mode ... and already garnered a 5-star review on Yelp.



--

And how the building looked a few years back ... circa 1979 and the Kiev.

[By Michael Sean Edwards]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Storefront renovation for 117 Second Ave.; last call for Song 7.2?

A Picnic for Second Avenue

A Picnic for Second Avenue

Renovations continue over at 117 Second Ave. at East Seventh Street... And as you probably figured, Song 7.2, the Korean joint in the corner space, isn't returning. The place closed in early January for renovations, with a sign noting they'd be back open on Jan. 19. ... workers subsequently gutted the interior ...

Now signage has arrived for the new eatery here... a place called Picnic...



We don't know much about Picnic, other than that they will serve American comfort food like meatballs, sandwiches and macaroni and cheese, as the Local reported in April.

No word on who the owner is ...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Storefront renovation for 117 Second Ave.; last call for Song 7.2?