(Photos: Daniel Maurer)
Panya Ongkeo, owner of Kenka on St. Marks Place, is readying Beronberon for an opening tonight at the corner of East 10th Street and First Avenue.
And we do mean “readying”– Ongkeo told us he was too busy making last-minute preparations to talk about his new spot in the old Sapporo East space, but it’s definitely an epic addition to the strip that already boasts Japanese restaurants Shabu-Tatsu, Curry-Ya, Rai Rai Ken, and Hi-Collar. Just look at the giant Kuniyoshi Utagawa reproductions that have gone up above the place. Ongkeo’s team has been fastidiously giving the former Sapporo East spot a makeover in the traditional machiya style, complete with paper lanterns.
It’s uncertain what’ll be on the menu, but booze is a safe bet — the place’s name is Japanese for “wasted.” As for the food offerings, we hope to have a look at them soon. Hopefully they’re as adventurous as they are over at Kenka, where we’ve eaten everything from turkey testicles to bull’s penis (there, we’ve said it).
Beronberon, 245 East 10th Street, at First Ave.