Lesly Bernard’s rep has now phoned in to explain that Permanent Brunch was closed earlier today because of taxes owed by the previous restaurant, Vanel on First (the owner of that restaurant, Clyde Vanel, is also a partner in Permanent Brunch; funnily enough, he also ran for City Council). Bernard has worked things out with the State and expects to reopen tomorrow. Thereafter, the restaurant will be known as Permanent Brunch & Burger, a move meant to increase dinner traffic. Chef Andrew Buffalino plans to add more burgers, including perhaps a lamb one, to the double patty that’s currently on the menu, and there will also be touches like housemade ketchup. Village Tart, we’re told, is “a few weeks away.”
