Openings

LTO Catches a ‘Rising Star,’ RJ Cooper, for First Pop-up

Photo: Courtesy of LTO

So who’s the first chef to grace LTO, the restaurant of rotating pop-ups that’s opening in the former Broadway East space on April 27? Operators Ron Castellano and PPX Hospitality send word that they’ve tapped RJ Cooper to debut his forthcoming Washington, D.C., restaurant in the space. That restaurant, Rogue 24, will be a continuation of the 24-course tasting menu he debuted as chef de cuisine at D.C.’s Vidalia, where Starchefs.com named him a Rising Star Chef in 2006, and the James Beard Foundation named him Best Chef Mid-Atlantic in 2007. (New Yorkers may remember him as Marc Forgione’s first opponent on Iron Chef America.) During his April 27 through May 8 stint at LTO, Cooper (along with pastry chef Chris Ford and mixologist Gina Chersevani) will serve a 16-course menu ($100, or $160 with pairings) and a 24-course menu ($125, or $180 with pairings). Check them out below, and book a table via Reservations@LTONYC.com (walk-ins can order certain dishes à la carte at the bar).

24-Course Journey Menu [PDF]
16-Course Progression Menu [PDF]

LTO, 171 East Broadway, nr. Rutgers St.

LTO Catches a ‘Rising Star,’ RJ Cooper, for First Pop-up