GREENWICH, CT — Food lovers, rejoice. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened a new restaurant in Greenwich this spring, his first in Connecticut.
Happy Monkey, which will be located at 376 Greenwich Ave., the former site of Little Beet Table, “will feature Latin cuisine with a Jean-Georges twist, delight guests with adventurous flavors and ever-changing sustainable offerings served in a casual setting, fun vibe,” according to a press release on the announcement.
No specific date has been announced, but the restaurant will be open in late spring for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and will expand to offer brunch and lunch service this summer. Outdoor dining will also be available
“I am thrilled to be a part of Greenwich’s vibrant culinary scene and have long looked at Connecticut as a potential location,” Vongerichten said in a press release. “We’ve created something new and exciting that builds on our commitment to whole food and inventive dishes while delivering the same level of bespoke service you’d expect from our restaurants. From a sophisticated evening to a casual family dinner, Happy Monkey is high but the friendliness makes it a go-to destination for any occasion.”
The menu will include the freshest seasonal produce, locally sourced, with Latin influences through snacks to share, small and large plates, crudos, salads, tacos and more.
Customers can expect a combination of favorites from ABC Cocina – one of Vongerichten’s restaurants in New York – like arroz con pollo and a grilled maitake mushroom, as well as inventive new dishes like tacos with shrimp topped with a spicy citrus coleslaw and marinated whole roasted cauliflower. with cherry mole and warm tortillas.
The dessert menu will consist of sweet treats like tres leches cocoa cake, strawberry mango crisp with macadamia nut streusel and rotating popsicle flavors. In addition to beer wine, sangria, and craft cocktails, the beverage program features a margarita menu that will reflect the seasons. Non-alcoholic options include homemade sodas, juices, and kombucha.
Alongside Jean-Georges, Executive Chef Ron Gallo, who recently served as Executive Chef at the Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges in Pound Ridge, NY, is once again working alongside Jean-Georges.
Gallo was previously head chef at JoJo’s Upper East Side restaurant in Vongerichten, a position he held for 13 years.
The interior space will feature a mural depicting famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with her mischievous spider monkey. Art is by New York-based see.studios.
Openshop, a strategy and design firm based in New York, collaborated with the Vongerichten team on the design of Happy Monkey.
A long communal table will stretch across the back of the dining area in front of the mural, providing a fun setting for celebrations or group outings, and a chic bar enhances the energy of the space.
The restaurant is outfitted with moss green banquettes, black and white marble floors, rattan light fixtures, and hanging plants that give it a lush feel. Cream Venetian plaster and brass accents create a warm and inviting ambience and selected vintage decor adds an eclectic element.
Happy Monkey is partnered with hotel group Aurify Brands, which operates and cultivates leading brands such as Le Pain Quotidien, Little Beet, Melt Shop, Fields Good Chicken and Little Beet Table.
“We are excited to bring a taste of Jean-Georges to Connecticut,” Andy Stern, co-CEO of Aurify Brands, said in a press release. “We designed this concept in collaboration with Jean-Georges and his incredible team to be a fun place where the community gathers over a meal – a place that gives you a daily dose of happiness, as the name suggests. “
Starting this month, reservations can be made on Resy or by calling the restaurant at 203-405-5787. For more information, visit the Happy Monkey website or follow us on Instagram.