David Santos Raising Money for New Restaurant on Kickstarter

Chef David Santos, who worked at Bouley and made Hotel Griffou a dining destination before flying solo with his much lauded Roosevelt Island supper club Um Segredo, has finally done what many of his diners begged him to do: open a bona fide brick-and-mortar restaurant. However, there’s still work to do yet, and Santos has taken to everyone’s favorite investment website, Kickstarter, to help finance the new project, called Louro (Portuguese for bay leaf).

Whereas Um Segredo was a highly conceptual series of tasting menus, Louro seems to be aimed at charming the neighborhood — in this case, Manhattan’s West Village — with an affordable price point and community involvement. Per Kickstarter:

"Things like table cloths, expensive plates, and glassware are not needed in today's dining scene. By removing these frivolous items, I can pass the value on to my diners. It is my belief that people want to experience a delicious meal that is inspired by unique flavors, but served at a fair price. With a variety of menu options ranging from small bites and pastas to large format dinners, tastings and guest chef collaborations, there will be a little something for everyone. Each day will start as a blank canvas, laying the foundation for seasonal inspirations and whatever sparks my creativity at the time ."

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The Food Almanac: Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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