Jennybelk Varona has filed liquor license paperwork with Community Board 3 for her upcoming spot, Dolce Momento, at 221 East Broadway.
Varona told What Now New York that she hopes to open the 700-square-foot restaurant right before the beginning of summer, though the timeline will depend on alcohol licensing and some minor construction work.
Dolce Momento, which means “sweet moment” in Spanish, will be a fusion concept that will pull inspiration from Latin, Japanese and Greek cuisines. The proposed menu features dishes like tuna tartare, crispy coco shrimp, risotto, and spicy salmon rice cakes.
“It’s a fusion of things. I try to combine everything that I think people would love and that the community would be comfortable with,” Varona said. “The community there is very mixed, so I’m trying to bring in the best of everything.”
Varona said that initially she planned to open a dessert spot that would also serve coffee, wine and beer. However, based on input from the community, she expanded the concept to include a full food menu.
The design will include wooden doors, rustic walls and handmade elements. Varona hopes to bring people back in time with the design while they are eating modern fusion dishes.
“I want people to feel like they’re somewhere else,” Varona said. “I want people to have a great time and great food — that’s the main thing.”
Plans call for six tables that will seat 20 as well as one bar that will seat 15. Eventually, Varona hopes to expand to offer outdoor seating.
The proposed hours of operation are 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For Varona, the name of the restaurant conveys her goal: she hopes all her customers enjoy a sweet moment when they visit.
“I want everyone to come in and feel comfortable and want to come back,” Varona said.
