Many were sad to see Pine Social go, but every ending brings a new beginning.
That new beginning brings master Chef Nicholas Martschenko to the heart of New Canaan to fill the empty space on Pine Street with his superb, new restaurant - South End.
Martschenko comes to us from the likes of Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY, Gramercy Tavern on East 20th Street in Manhattan, and i Trulli ion East 27th Street in New York.
“It’s going to be all about great food, great atmosphere, great service and great libations in a comfortable setting,” said Martschenko, 38, who comes to New Canaan with his wife and three young children. “The approach is new, American, contemporary, approachable dishes.”
Martschenko attended the Culinary Institute of America from 1996 to 1998 and started off at Primo Restaurant in Rockland, Maine.
Martschenko gave Patch a sneak peak at the menu with appetizers like fried baby artichokes, roasted garlic aioli, spit-roasted pancetta with grilled nectarines, and rocket greens in saba syrup.
Dinner? Pan-seared, black sea bass with panzanella salad and gazpacho vinaigrette.
Drinks? A full bar.
South End will also serve lunch during the week and brunch for the weekends.
“I’m very excited about this deal,” said Pyramid Restaurant Group broker Steven Matsis. “I have a sense for these things, I’ve been doing it for 27 years, and I believe this is going to be a very hot location in town. It’s right on the money and just what we need in town.
“I’d say it’s a bit of upscale, American tavern atmosphere, not too stuffy,” said Matsis, founder of Capital Restaurant Group in 2004. “Nicholas is a very, very high-end chef, comes from high-end operations in New York, and he’s a young guy. He’s partnering with a very experienced pastry chef and they’re looking to do some very cool stuff.
"Pine Social was great, but, from my experience and what I’ve read of Nicholas’ information for the landlord, I think they’re going to do something that will bring even more revenue. It’ll be a very cool place, not terribly over-priced, fun, casual affordable - a good time with good food,” said Matsis.
The space is currently undergoing renovations that Martschenko says will “really open up the place. We’re going to lighten it up, open up the windows, lighten up the wood - make it more of a home-style feeling .”
Martschenko also has a partner, Keith Siskind, who runs Tarry Lodge, which is located in Port Chester and Westport.
It is still too early for an official, grand opening date to be released; however, residents should look out for South End to open their doors sometime later in August.
This article was originally published in New Canaan Patch.
