Seasoned restaurateurs Andy Stern and John Rigos are placing a wager that they can succeed in the most challenging of venues. They have opened Little Beet Table in Greenwich, CT.
Their Aurify Brands portfolio now boasts a trio of locations in New York, Chicago and now Connecticut. The 100 percent gluten-free restaurant serves healthful dishes and vegetable-forward cocktails. The development of the Little Beet Table Greenwich menu was a collaboration between the group’s culinary director Chef Matt Aita previously of NYC’s acclaimed Rouge Tomate and Jean-Georges; and Chef Rich Perez, previously of Picholine and Roy Choi’s restaurant group.
Aita’s interest in healthy cooking came from his experience at Rouge Tomate in Manhattan. “It gave me hands on experience of having to actually measure the nutrients on a plate.”
Prioritizing the use of responsibly sourced local ingredients whenever possible, and employing a cooking philosophy meant to inspire energy and joy in guests, LBT’s menu features signature and seasonal bites like Sheep Milk Ricotta (strawberry-fennel jam, mustard greens, grilled bread), Roasted Shrimp Salad (market greens, quinoa, avocado, spiced almonds, golden raisins, in a white balsamic vinaigrette), and Crispy Salmon (provencal vegetables, saffron, basil), along with new dishes exclusive to the Greenwich location like Cavatelli with Roasted Corn (roasted corn, cherry tomato, basil pistou, parmesan).
Rather than offer a small number of dishes for individuals with special diets, LBT puts guests’ needs at the forefront, thus setting a new standard for accommodating service.
The restaurant’s take on gluten-free is interesting. “Our goal is to carefully source the very best product available in the marketplace. If Gluten is a concern then you know you are going to have a wonderfully safe dining experience and at the same time if it is not a concern, you are going to have a truly memorable meal. We have truly found the holy grail of gluten free products,” Aita added.
Little Beet Table Greenwich features a truly innovative beverage program, with superfood rich drinks including Clementine & Turmeric (mezcal, clementine and turmeric syrup, lemon, chia seeds) and Apple & Celery (vodka, sherry, green apple, celery, lemon, club soda). Exclusive to the Greenwich location is seasonal Sangria on Tap and a digestif cocktail, Coffee & Whiskey (corn whiskey, amaro, cherry demerara cordial, coffee bitters, black salt). A curated selection of domestic and international wines, gluten-free beers and ciders, non-alcoholic drinks and cold-pressed juices are also available. “We’re so thrilled to be joining the lively Greenwich community,” says culinary director Aita. “Our menu is designed to be concurrently delicious and nourishing, and we look forward to establishing ourselves as a go-to neighborhood destination for date nights, family dinners, and celebratory brunches.”
Aurify has inherited the space that most recently served as home to noted chef/restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian’s National. To create a new vibe, the Stern/Rigos duo enlisted noted designer Joe Calabrese of Calabrese Design previously of AvroK. With 115 seats and a variety of elegant yet comfortable seating options, from large banquettes to bistro-style sidewalk seating, LBT cultivates an inviting atmosphere for guests to gather and connect over wholesome food and drinks.
Aurify is betting that it can bring its same pricing strategy to Greenwich. Aita added: “The key to making this work is going to be the ability to capture that Greenwich Avenue regular that is always walking the Avenue. With our combination of cuisine, cocktails and service, we will capture their hearts. We have a great kids menu and we are prepared to make any and all modifications necessary to make sure our guests have an experience that brings them back.”
Little Beet Table has existing locations in New York City and Chicago with plans to open its fourth location in Chevy Chase, Maryland during the latter half of 2019. Aurify also owns and operates a sister concept, The Little Beet, which has 10 locations around the country, including one in the Westchester Mall in White Plains.
