The new Italian bar and cafe from a Brooklyn restaurateur taking over what was a 121-year-old Ferdinando’s Focacceria has an opening date: Bar Ferdinando is opening at 151 Union Street, at Hicks Street in Carroll Gardens on Wednesday, April 15.
At Bar Ferdinando, for cocktails, expect aperitivi, amaro-based drinks, martinis, vermouths, and a take on the Manhattan Special, the iconic Brooklyn-based espresso soda. Since it’s a lunchtime spot, there’s coffee and espresso too. Ricardo Echeverri is the bar manager, who held the same role at Swoony’s previously.
The daytime menu includes some familiar dishes from its predecessor, like the Sicilian rice balls and octopus salad, along with others such as the eggplant caponata and insalata di mare. The foaccia sandwiches include the famous pane e panelle, with chickpea ravioli, using the same Ferdinando’s Focacceria recipe.
Desserts include bomboloni, olive oil cakes, and Sicilian desserts. Pastry chef Jackie De La Barrera joined the team; she previously worked at Radio Bakery and Agi’s Counter.
In the press release, Lamboglia writes that his “goal is to preserve what makes Ferdinando’s so special while giving it the care it needs to keep going for years to come.”