Howie Embraces Bulldog Status, Plans BBQ Restaurant
It appears Howie Kleinberg has a sense of humor after all. He's completely embraced his bulldog image from Top Chef; his new restaurant, which should be open in two or three months, will be called Bulldog Barbecue.
If you can't snag a seat, you'll still have the opportunity to chow on Kleinberg cuisine when the 32-year-old opens his restaurant -- Bulldog Barbecue -- in North Miami within ''the next two to three months.'' Sister Amy is his partner; mom Susan -- a former VP of catering at Barton G -- will do the decor. He'll focus on the menu -- namely lots and lots of pork.The entire South Florida area is lacking in really good barbecue places. Yes, there are a few standouts, but not many. And we're of the opinion that more barbecue restaurants is a good thing. Naturally, Kleinberg, who made pork dish after pork dish during the show, is turning to the Carolinas for inspiration, where pork rules. We assume he'll do the generally more popular vinegar-based North Carolina 'cue, although we'd love to see some South Carolina-style mustard-based pulled pork. There's definitely nothing like that down here.''We spent a lot of time in the Carolinas growing up and felt the area between Aventura and North Miami was really lacking in great barbecue places,'' he says. ``Of course, there's Shorty's, but it's so far south.''
Love the name.
''It's a play off the show, my attitude and how people saw me,'' he says.
It'll be an intimate space -- ''It's easier to grow than to fill 250 seats'' -- and will do a lot of takeout.
'Top Chef' to open BBQ spot [Miami Herald]
Comments
I work with Amy and Susan on other projects and hear lots of great things about what Howie is attempting. He is approaching a great business idea with a unbelievable menue...with a southern florida twist. All chow lovers get ready for some good BBQ in Miami!
Posted by: shadow | February 17, 2008 05:08 PM