Chinese take-out may be a New York staple, but restaurateur Michael Bruno is hoping we can all make room in our hearts for a healthier version of the fare when his new restaurant on Third Avenue in Gowanus opens shop this March.
Michael and Ping’s Modern Chinese Take-Out is Bruno’s second Brooklyn venture after the well-trafficked A.O.C. Bistro on Fifth Avenue in nearby Park Slope. So what, you ask, is an Italian man doing running a Chinese restaurant (or a French one, for that matter)?
“I love Chinese food, but I always found myself not feeling too great after I ate it,” said Bruno.
With the China Grill veteran executive chef Eric Basulto, Bruno hopes to retain that love of Chinese food, but allow his customers not to hate themselves in the morning. The menu will include items like a Chinese-style Po’ Boy, ginger-crusted fried snapper with wasabi mashed potatoes, and black pepper calamari salad.
“We’re going to use healthier, better-quality ingredients and do a lot less frying, more steaming, roasting and grilling,” said Bruno.
Bruno said that the spot will feature take-out worthy prices, too, with entrees ranging from $7 to $10. The restaurant is also slotted to be the first eatery in Brooklyn certified as “green” by the Green Restaurant Association.
And if none of that got you excited, just wait until you see the take-out packaging.
Michael and Ping’s Modern Chinese Take-Out (437 Third Ave. between Seventh and Eighth streets. No phone yet). To order, visit www.michaelandpings.com.
