Local Chefs to Collaborate on a New Restaurant, S?NA

Here's a big one to watch for in 2012: Toki Underground chef Erik Bruner-Yang is collaborating with Acqua al 2's Ari Gejdenson and chef Johnny Spero on a new restaurant named S?NA to open at the end of the year. Even better, the three chefs will be previewing the restaurant later this month in a pop-up at LivingSocial's new event space.

Spero will be helming the kitchen at the new restaurant and it will be his culinary vision they'll be following — though all three chefs will work on developing the menu together. A bit on Spero's background: He has worked at Komi, Chilhowie's acclaimed Townhouse and at Toki Underground. He's also staged in kitchens such as Noma and Alinea. As Bruner-Yang tells Eater, "We're mostly supporting his vision. If I could work for Johnny I would, but I can't because I have Toki Underground. So it's our way of working with someone that we think is very talented."

The trio has found a space for S?NA, but aren't quite ready to divulge its location or even hint at the neighborhood. But they're planning to offer two tasting menus — one small and one large — that will change constantly. To give the dining public a little hint at what's in store, all three chefs are taking over the kitchen at LivingSocial's 918 F Street pop-up space from March 21-25 to produce an eight-course menu with pairings for $120. Tickets don't go on sale until Friday, so for now, here's the menu they've got planned:

MENU
8 courses, 4 pairings for $120
Menu subject to change due to ingredient availability

Kampachi tartare- Pickled radish- Preserved lemon- Rice gel

Crab- Grapefruit- Buttermilk- Lovage

Chawanmushi- Scallop- Morel- Truffle

Smoked Duck- Salsify

Short Rib- Banana-Nasturtium

Sweet Potato- Caramel-Togarashi

Black Sesame- Hibiscus-Coconut Water-Basil

Mignardises – Banana nutella macaroon- Pate de Fruit- Truffles

· S?NA [Official Site]
· All Previous Erik Bruner-Yang Coverage [-EDC-]