First Look at Pearl & Ash, a Frej Alum’s New Restaurant on the Bowery

Some nights, you just don’t want to order an entrée. It’s more fun to get a bunch of small plates and share them all, but that often results in a ridiculous bill and an empty belly. Pearl & Ash is catering to group-eating by making all of its dishes available in smaller sizes, and pricing those plates at $15 or less. The chef, Richard Kuo, is an alum of wd~50 and Corton, and most recently, he served as chef and owner of Frej, the now-closed Scandinavian pop-up in Williamsburg. Though several of his dishes are deconstructed, this isn’t Nordic fare. “Globally inspired” plates feature octopus, veal cheek, and tea-cured salmon. For dessert, there’s a boozy ice-cream sandwich made with Fernet Branca liqueur, and cocktails are named after historic Bowery events. The 62-seat restaurant is outfitted with quirky antiques like Kodak cameras (yes, those are antique now) and moss-filled boxes. Check out the space and the food ahead.

Menu [PDF]

220 Bowery, nr. Prince St.; (212) 837-2370