‘Balvanera’ to Debut Its Argentinian Cuisine in Old Azul Space on Stanton Street
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Balvanera is replacing Azul Bistro
Opened in 2001, Azul Bistro was an early pioneer on the Lower East Side, east of Essex Street. It certainly had a good decade-plus run, having shuttered just after the new year. The closure wasn’t too surprising, but was a slow demise. Peak hours in recent years were generally empty, and the establishment seemingly lost its fanbase. Plus, it was put on the open market as far back as 2012.
Ownership eventually found a buyer, though. Argentine Chef Fernando Navas (Sushi Samba, Nobu) purchased the assets and obtained blessings for beer and wine from Community Board 3 in April. The new concept is called Balvanera, named for the neighborhood in Buenos Aires.
With Balvanera, Navas is essentially continuing the tradition of Argentinian cuisine at 152 Stanton Street. It’ll offer a “great balance of tradition and the new ‘cucina porteña’ of Buenos Aires,” according to their team.
Meanwhile, transformation of the corner spot is nearly complete. Exterior painting transpired, and the insides are coming together. Same homey feel, it seems. Expect a debut sometime later this month.
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