Husband-and-wife duo Cedric and Ochi Vongerichten—yes, of the Jean-Georges Vongerichten family—have been quite busy over the last year. The pair, who met while training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, opened two restaurants in Ochi’s hometown of Jakarta last year, Le Burger and Vong Kitchen.
Tonight, along with partner Ezra William, they’re debuting their first project stateside in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood with the opening of Wayan. Balinese for “first born,” the 80-seat space was designed by Rockwell Group and is outfitted with greenery, exposed brick, a marble bar, rustic teak paneling and authentic wood carvings from Indonesia. (The team describes the vibe as “tropical-meets-downtown.”)
As for the food, guests can expect French-Indonesian fare, a blend of the team’s background. Cedric, who was born in Bangkok, has been cooking with Western flavors—while using traditional French techniques—alongside his father for the last two decades. Dishes on the opening menu at Wayan are to be served family-style, and include avocado gado gado (a typical Indonesian salad) and nasi goreng (fried rice, a national dish of Indonesia). Cedric will also stay on as executive chef at Perry Street.
Wayan is located at 20 Spring Street and is open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Photo by Emily Andrews, Courtesy of Rockwell Group.
