Openings

Kat & Theo Will Unite Alums of elBulli, Eleven Madison Park, and Aquavit

Skate with corn chowder and pickled candy-cane beets.
Skate with corn chowder and pickled candy-cane beets. Photo: Liz Clayman

There are many high-profile fall restaurant openings on the horizon, but Kat & Theo, opening on September 1 in Flatiron, seems to have slipped under the radar. Perhaps it’s because this is executive chef Paras Shah’s big debut: He’s worked at Ferran Adrià’s elBulli, Per Se, and Momofuku Noodle Barquite an impressive resumé — but this is his first time in charge of a kitchen. He’s going to serve American food with a Mediterranean bent, and the goal is to make Kat & Theo — named after co-owner Andreas Typaldos’ parents — accessible enough that it’s a true neighborhood spot.

The menu includes dishes like razor clams with green peppers and ras el hanout (a North African spice mix); grass-fed beef carpaccio with a creamy boqueron “tonnato” and green peppercorns; and lamb shank for two with rye berries and smoked lamb belly. Even better: Shah is joined in the kitchen by pastry chef Serena Chow, who has honed her chops at Eleven Madison Park and Pearl & Ash, and is making desserts like dark-chocolate crémeux with lemon and lavender. Plus, Aquavit alum Stephen An has created the wine list, and the Lamb’s Club’s Michael Timmons is overseeing cocktails. Take a look at a few of the offerings:

House-made flatbread with anchovies, charred shishito peppers, and aioli.
House-made flatbread with anchovies, charred shishito peppers, and aioli. Photo: Liz Clayman
Heritage chicken with a "ratatouille" and eggplant purée.
Heritage chicken with a “ratatouille” and eggplant purée. Photo: Liz Clayman
New York strip steak with potato soubric, charred green beans, and a pomegranate Bordelaise.
New York strip steak with potato soubric, charred green beans, and a pomegranate Bordelaise. Photo: Liz Clayman
Via Maris Milk Punch: High West Silver Oat whiskey, Batavia arrack, pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond/Bergamot.
Via Maris Milk Punch: High West Silver Oat whiskey, Batavia arrack, pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond/Bergamot. Photo: Liz Clayman
Roger Dodger: cinnamon-and-clove-infused vodka, velvet falernum, carrot shrub, ginger, and lime.
Roger Dodger: cinnamon-and-clove-infused vodka, velvet falernum, carrot shrub, ginger, and lime. Photo: Liz Clayman
Dara Young and Anna Niedermeyer designed the 70-seat restaurant.
Dara Young and Anna Niedermeyer designed the 70-seat restaurant. Photo: Liz Clayman
Dark and moody.
Dark and moody. Photo: Liz Clayman

Kat & Theo, 5 West 21st Street, (212) 380-1950

Kat & Theo Will Unite Alums of elBulli, Eleven Madison Park, and Aquavit