Gowanus Goes Glatt: Bison & Bourbon Plans To Offer Sophisticated Kosher Dining

David Shagalov — co-owner of the forthcoming Glatt kosher restaurant Bison & Bourbon — was leading me through their kosher kitchen. As he opened the door into the vast two-level interior, it’s easy to recognize that the structure was once a warehouse constructed in the 1930s.

For many in Gowanus, the warehouse at 191 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues) was previously known as The Bahche, a Turkish restaurant which opened in the Fall of 2013. The Bahche closed earlier this year, however former owner Ersin Vurgun is now on board with the new kosher venture.

“Bahche had not been doing very well, and we came in to convert it to a kosher dining experience,” says Shagalov. And he and his partners believe that Bison & Bourbon will “fill a avoid” in the kosher culinary world in New York. The owners hope to open sometime in June.

“The kosher market does not have a place anywhere in Brooklyn or New York where you can just come to the bar and have a drink,” says Shagalov. “We’re going to have an impressive cocktail list. There’s a lounge and outdoor space — it’s a perfect match.”

But for Shagalov, it’s the food that he’s most excited about. “We’re going to have two separate menus,” he says. “One of them will have ‘bites’ and hors d’oeuvres. The other will consist of a sit-down menu, a steakhouse.”

Shagalov is very impressed with Cyndi Stanimirov, who has been hired as chef for the new place. Stanimirov came in 4th place on Hell’s Kitchen, the Gordon Ramsey chef show.

Since Gowanus is not known for being a particularly kosher neighborhood, we asked Shagalov how he thinks the restaurant will succeed. “It will be a destination restaurant,” he says. “95% of the kosher restaurants you go into are cramped. This will be very different.” The owners intend to host many Jewish family events and ceremonies in the roomy upstairs space.

COLive points out the proximity to many Jewish neighborhoods. Bourbon & Bison is “approximate[ly]  [a]  10 minute drive from the frum Jewish neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Flatbush, Boro Park and Williamsburg.”

However the restaurant is not only set up to attract those who keep kosher. “This destination is not only for Jewish people,” says Shagalov. “We’re going to keep this place fun. You won’t find better customer service than you will here.”

The Rundown: Bison & Bourbon
Where: 191 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
Phone: 917-855-7547
Hours: Exact hours TBA, however they plan to be open for drinks and dinner. The restaurant will be closed Fridays for Shabbat and re-open Saturday nights.