Not many signs of life at The Toucan and the Lion

We can't recall the last time that we saw the well-regarded Toucan and the Lion open for business over on East Sixth Street near First Avenue.

This may not be a big surprise: New operators were aiming to take over the nearly two-year-old self-described "Asian gastropub" during this month's CB3/SLA committee meeting. (Read about that here.)

There isn't a sign noting a closure on the front gates … or any messages on their voice-mail, website or social media properties. (Their last Facebook update is from Sept. 17.) And the restaurant is no longer available for reservations on OpenTable. ("We're sorry, but the restaurant you requested could not be found.")

Prior to the Toucan and the Lion, which opened in January 2012, the address was home to Mara's Homemade.

New venture in the works for The Toucan and the Lion space

We're continuing to check out the paperwork submitted ahead of Monday evening's CB3/SLA committee meeting. (We've looked so far at the Red Hook Lobster Pound and the new ownership for John's of 12th Street.)

A questionnaire (PDF) on file at the CB3 website shows that there are applicants looking to take over The Toucan and the Lion space (marked "sale of assets") at 342 E. Sixth St.

Jason Soloway, a partner in the recently opened Wallflower on West 12th Street, and Brendan McHale, a former chef at Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar on Second Avenue, are the principles of the new venture.

Their application shows a restaurant that will serve "New American, small and medium plates" with hours of 5 p.m.-1 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday; and until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday. The proposed hours for Saturday are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (until 1 a.m. on Sunday). No name yet for the new restaurant.

Prior to the Toucan and the Lion, which opened in January 2012, the address was home to Mara's Homemade.