The Citiblog
Gramercy Tavern alums opening Rolo's in Ridgewood, Queens
January 12, 2021, 7:36.17 pm ET
Photos: Adam Friedlander
Gramercy Tavern alums are teaming up to open Rolo’s, a neighborhood restaurant, cafe and grocery shop in Ridgewood, Queens where the emphasis is on seasonal ingredients and a wood-burning oven. The chef trio and partners, Howard Kalachnikoff, Rafiq Salim, and Paul Wetzel, met at Gramercy Tavern and share a vision and appreciation for simple cooking. Joining the chef trio in the kitchen is sous chef Kelly Mencin, formerly of Gramercy Tavern, Bouchon Bakery and Bouchon Bistro. Kelly oversees the bread and pastry programs.
Wood Fired Chicken
Offerings at Rolo's include a $17 per person pre-set weekly dinner package, with a typical meal featuring things like Grilled Porchetta, Sofrito Fried Rice and Kale Caesar Salad. Additionally, Rolo’soffers an la carte dinner menu including Wood Fired Half Chicken served with garlic confit in chili oil and cucumber kohlrabi; Grilled Meatballs with a spicy tomato sauce; Grilled Greens with garlic confit and lemon; Braised Butter Beans with salsa verde; and a variety of Focaccia made in house.
Grilled Porchetta Sandwich
Lunch sandwiches are also offered on housemade ciabatta and include a Turkey Sandwich with turkey smoked in-house, celery salad, blue cheese and “fancy sauce;” vegetarian options such as a Health Sandwich with cheddar cheese, sliced cucumbers, mayo, pickled peppers and a hard-boiled egg; and a Grilled Porchetta Sandwich with fennel gremolata, provolone and broccoli rabe among others.
Housemade Focaccia
Desserts include rotating mini pies and freshly baked cookies. Later this year, Rolo’s will open for indoor and outdoor dining with expanded menu offerings.
For now, diners can take advantage of take-out and delivery options. Freshly prepared and frozen foods, meats butchered in-house, and to-go cocktails are also available at Rolo's cafe and grocery as well as locally sourced produce, pantry items, provisions, and wines.
Rolo's Grocery
Rolo's is located at 853 Onderdonk Ave., Ridgewood, NY (718) 417-6567
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