Stephen Simons’ decision to transform Old City mainstay the Khyber into an izakaya proved to be wildly unpopular with the storied indie rock temple’s once faithful following. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the heaps of scorn left in the comments section of Drew Lazor’s post about that plan on the Citypaper’s Meal Ticket blog. Now comes word that the Khyber will not go the Japanese route and is, in fact, aiming for “southern flavor and American craft beer,” according to Ashley Thomas, the events coordinator for Simons and partner Dave Frank, who also own the Royal Tavern, Cantina Los Caballitos and Cantina Dos Segundos.
This confirms what Foobooz and BROG both said last week, based on an ad from Craigslist for front of the house staff. Still there’s a piece to this puzzle that doesn’t fit: What’s all this mean for Todd Dae Kulper, the former Ro-Zu chef who supposedly signed on to create Japanese pub dishes for the now 86ed izakaya?
Khyber Going South? [Foobooz]
Khyber Last Show Ever [Citypaper]
The Khyber will become … [Meal Ticket]
Earlier: Khyber to Go Izakaya In September
Khyber Snags Former Ro-Zu Chef
