It’s called The Poni Room, which may or may not be a play on the horse racing theme that figures in the name of Saxon + Parole, the restaurant above it, named for two thoroughbreds. I say maybe because The Poni Room, which opened Tuesday, styles itself an American izakaya, (“informal Japanese pub” to you), and poni may mean something in Japanese.
Etymology notwithstanding, The Poni Room is the latest creation of Chef Brad Farmerie, along with Chef Nicole Gajadhar, and the menu, which is all about seafood, speaks with an Asian accent.
Seared rare tuna, from among the listing “Skewers,” is accompanied by green tea noodles and a snow pea salad.
In many of the menu items, East meets West. Uni, for example, is partnered with an English muffin, as well as chives and lemon.
In addition to its focus on mostly small plates, The Poni Room features some half-dozen rosés and a trio of rosé-based cocktails, among them the namesake Poni: Roku gin, Noily dry vermouth, and cucumber bitter.
The Poni Room is open Tuesday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
The Poni Room, 316 Bowery, downstairs, 212-254-0350.
