Due to "a difference in vision between the chef and management," the East Village's three-week-old Après has closed, confirmed managing partner Jenny Moon. Chef Mazen Mustafa, who was Paul Liebrandt's executive chef at The Elm, is out and Young Jin, of Jackson Height's Unidentified Flying Chicken (UFC), is in. This will be the first Manhattan branch of UFC, whose Korean fried chicken has gotten high praise from Julia Moskin in the New York Times and the Robs in New York Magazine. Ms. Moon said the Third Avenue space, which used to be Apiary, will be revamped into a more casual spot with 18-20 craft beers on tap. "We thank all of our valued Apiary customers who supported us through the opening of Après and all those who came to experience the restaurant," she said. "Mazen Mustafa is a very talented chef and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors." Look for the opening of UFC within a month.
UFC, 60 Third Ave., East Village
UFC, 60 Third Ave., East Village