BWW Preview: LUCKY BEE on the Lower East Side of NYC

Since the beginning of this year, Chef Matty Bennett and his partner Rupert Noffs have turned pollen into honey at the Lower East Side top-rated hot spot, the Lucky Bee, with their debut menu featuring a variety of dishes. Things are heating up even more now as the Lucky Bee officially launches their summer menu.

Rupert Noffs stated, "Everyone has been so supportive and we love seeing return customers every night. I know what we have created is unlike anything in Manhattan. The fresh, spicy food. The kitsch but fun atmosphere and excellent service. Most people have to drive out to Queens to have this type of food or Beverly Hills to sit in these surroundings. We wanted The Lucky Bee to bring back the relaxed downtown NYC 80's vibe and a little Hollywood Regency."

After opening in late January, Chef Bennett used his creativity to craft an unforgettable Southeast Asian menu with the sole use of electric induction and butane stoves. The Lucky Bee had just improved their cooking capacity. Their gas was activated on Wednesday, April 27th by Con Edison prompting the announcement of menu additions.

Chef Bennett's new menu features items such as the Coconut Braised Short Ribs, Whole Fried Fish and Sour Orange Curry of Atlantic Char. These new dishes are prepared on the Lucky Bee's new stovetop, ovens and grills demonstrating his expertise in Southeast Asian cuisine.

The Lucky Bee are very excited to share the new menu with guests which still features house favorites such as the Steam Pork and Sesame Dumplings, Green Papaya Salad, and Green Curry.

Chef Bennett will definitely surprise patrons with his new creations. The restaurant's plans now include securing the use of the fryer and wok. Without a doubt, The Lucky Bee will continue to soar to the top of NYC's restaurant lists.

About Chef Matty Bennett Chef Bennett, who was the Chef at The Fat Radish in Lower East Side and previous to that, he was Chef at Longrain, Australia's leading modern Thai restaurant. After leaving The Fat Radish, Matty was the private chef for Valentino, Sarah Jessica Parker, LL Cool J & the Tisch family and it was during that time that the concept for The Lucky Bee was being born.

About the Lucky Bee Southeast Asian street food is the focus of the 50-seat Lower East Side spot from executive chef Matty Bennett (formerly at the Fat Radish and prior to that at Sydney's Longrain) and partner Rupert Noffs. The electric pink-and-aqua dining room was decorated by Noffs himself, accented with hanging plants and murals by Bondi Beach artist, Brett Chan. The interior includes a hawkers' station with tropical themes, black and white stripes and black leather seats. Bennett is bringing the Aussie 'fresh food philosophy' to New York with his papaya salad, house-made curries and predominantly gluten free menu. Nodding to the restaurant's namesake, the company has sourced local Andrew's Honey to create its signature 'Karma Cocktails.' With each Karma Cocktail purchased, the Lucky Bee team donates $1 to the New York City Beekeepers Association.

The Lucky Bee is located at 252 Broome St, New York, NY 10002. For more information and/or reservations, please visit www.luckybeenyc.com, e-mail info@luckybeenyc.com or call 917.262.0329. Closed on Monday; open Tuesday - Friday 5:30 pm until 1:30 am; Saturday and Sunday 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm - 1:00 am.

Photo Credit: Filip Wolak