Happy Monday New York! February is in full swing, and slowly but surely signs of Spring are creeping around the corner, reminding us not to get discouraged as the days once again begin to lengthen. Soon, we’ll be back outside with our friends and family, enjoying all the new restaurants that have started up this year.
One of this year’s most successful restaurants so far has been Canto NYC, deep in the heart of West Village. Canto opened to popular acclaim at the start of January thanks to its hearty brunch options and carefully designed Italian aesthetic. Now, less than two months into the year and it appears that Canto is beginning the second phase of their operation, opening a brand new casual sandwich spot next-door to their popular location.
Canto NYC was founded by hospitality experts Allen Chan, Gary Chan and Christopher Osborn at the start of the year. Established on 117 Perry Street, Allen Chan and his team set out to create an upscale restaurant experience that would serve Greenwich Village residents the finest Italian foods they can offer. Serving up a mouthwatering selection of traditional seafood and meat pasta options, Canto also offers a specialty meat and cheese platter, a dazzling array of Mediterranean salads and small plates, as well as a rotating menu of seasonal market dishes. Mixing expertly with their specialty crafted cocktail and wine selection, Canto also offers an especially beloved boozy brunch that serves American brunch staples like French Toast and Eggs Benedict.
Now, it appears that Allen and the Canto team have acquired the lease for the space right next door to their new restaurant. Formerly home to Kaas Glassworks, the space is also registered as 117 Perry Street, but is listed as the “East Store,” or “Store #2”. A humble side store offering only 150 Square Feet of space, the Canto team plans on transforming the space into “an Italian casual eats shop serving a variety of sandwiches, salads, and cured meats & cheese.” Serving a limited menu dinner until 11PM, the new space will also serve coffee, tea, wine, and beer (pending their upcoming SLA application hearing).
The space, while intimate, will be capable of seating up to 14 guests inside, and is expected to serve additional take-out and delivery options for guests on the go. Kaas Glassworks, meanwhile, was an artistic neighborhood staple for over 18 years that residents are sad to let go of. While this was their only brick-and-mortar location, Carol and Chris Kaas are hoping to continue online sales through their website, so any loyal customers are strongly encouraged to reach out to them and offer some kind words of support. For Canto fans, you can follow their Instagram for further updates on the new project as well as mouthwatering pictures of their fabulous weekend brunches.
