If, as they say, hunger makes the best sauce, then the food at the new Moroccan tapas joint that will fill the old Liquors space should taste damn good.
Nadir Khelifi, who owns Cafe Lafayette on S. Portland Street, is putting finishing touches on his new lounge and small-plate boite in the DeKalb Avenue spot that once housed Liquors, the bistro that sated Fort Greene stomachs with brunch burritos, bellinis, and the fluffiest omelets this side of Lafayette Avenue.
“Our neighborhood needs something like this,” said Khelifi, who said he will open the restaurant, between Adelphi Street and Clermont Street, in two months, when his full liquor license comes through.
Liquors closed abruptly — and under very mysterious circumstances — in 2006 after a six-year run. Its owner Christian Dennery told The Stoop about “a sordid tale that speaks to the darkest shadows of entrepreneurship, civil court litigation, breach of trust, and the sociopath ‘nouveau riche’ elements.”
The reputed skullduggery involved a feud with his landlord, lawsuits from both sides, and perhaps most importantly, an empty storefront in prime Fort Greene. Meanwhile, residents have had to make do with Lou-Lou for their French-inspired brunch needs.
One such local is somewhat relieved to hear that something’s filling the void.
“New restaurants are always exciting,” said Andrew Simon, a one-time Liquors regular. “Though with Black Iris, Zaytoon’s, and Olea already in the neighborhood, a little more variety might be nice.”
