Openings

Chodorow Names Izakaya After Canine With Giant Balls

Photo: Wikipedia

A couple of weeks ago, an associate of Jeffrey Chodorow confirmed rumors we heard back in July that Ono will be revamped into what the Chodster is calling a “Japanese pub” (it seems he wants to avoid the trendy-for-a-second “izakaya” label). We couldn’t tell you the name then because it wasn’t final, but now that it’s official via Diner’s Journal, we can finally pass it along: Tanuki Tavern will open in October. The tanuki is a raccoonlike member of the canine family that, according to its Wikipedia page, “is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absent-minded.” A master of shapeshifting? How appropriate for Chodorow! Statues of tanuki are often found outside of Japanese restaurants (our favorite is the one outside of Kenka on St. Marks Place), and they sometimes have “over-sized testicles that symbolize financial luck.” Chances are, Chodorow is going to install one of these puppies outside of Tanuki Tavern, and we’re guessing those oversize balls are going to be the hit of the meatpacking district.

Chodorow Names Izakaya After Canine With Giant Balls