Ciao Almoncello, Adios Almondito!

Owners Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner, who also own the
popular French bistro Almond in Bridgehampton, will renovate the Mexican hotspot, Almondito , and reopen with a new concept - Almoncello.
Almondito will be closing its doors November 26th.

"There's something specific and special about the Italian approach to the dining table. They call it 'fratellanza,' or brotherhood," states Lemonides. "This spirit of community and hospitality has always impressed me-from my early experience at Da Silvano to my more recent travels in Italy. We're looking forward to creating this vibe at Almoncello," Lemonides continues. "I just came back from a trip to Bologna and Milan - really the gateway between Northern, Eastern, and Western Europe. The cultural interchange over the years, has made for a truly inspired cuisine. Add to that a strong emphasis on the craft of cooking, and the quality of the ingredient. Almoncello will reflect this artisanal and seasonal approach." Weiner adds.

Northern Italian - Bolognese-Inspired
In their continuing quest to bring peasant food to the sophisticated masses, Lemonides and Weiner will introduce a relaxed Bologna inspired trattoria. Almoncello will boast a new look with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. With leather booths and a fireplace in the bar area, candle-lit wine bottles, dark wood floors, and deep red color throughout, Almoncello will imbue a warm Italian ambiance. The menu will feature seasonally driven Northern Italian cuisine without pretense, continuing the Lemonides/Weiner tradition of bringing the East End honest rustic fare. Sample dishes one may find include: braised veal cheeks with penne, caramelized onions and grain mustard; wild boar ragu with pappardelle and preserved tomatoes; wild striped bass with salsify, savoy cabbage, pancetta and crispy chickpeas; winter vegetable piccolo fritto with agliata; and salad of escarole, mint and pecorino with a pistachio and lemon vinaigrette. All the regions of the Italian countryside will be represented on the wine list, with a particular emphasis on artisinal small-batch growers. Lemonides will continue to be the gracious host, but after a trip to Italy during renovations he may be throwing around a little Italian lingo upon customers' arrival. Weiner will head the kitchen, collaborating with Chef de Cuisine John O'Connell.

Toast With Your Last Margarita and Celebrate Almondito
In celebration of Almondito and its success, Lemonides and Weiner will host a final fiesta on Saturday, November 25th featuring taquitos, plenty of tequila, and of course karaoke. Almoncello is planning to open mid-December, just in time for the holidays.