Chef John Zucker of Cru Cafe has owned 237 Fishburne Street for almost two years, but it’s taken him a minute to determine what to do with the place. Before Zucker bought it, the location was being developed as Westside Delicatessen, a deli from Paul Cheney and Marguerite Chalmers in partnership with developer Jeffrey Roberts. When those plans fell through, Cheney and Chalmers opened the popular North Central Delicatessen on Huger Street, and Zucker got the building in the process.

Now Zucker reveals, it’s going to be called Purlieu — named after the traditional Lowcountry dish of chicken and rice — and will be a neighborhood bistro.

According to a press release, Executive Chef Jeff Williams will offer “rotating menus at Purlieu, also known as P237, will highlight European-inspired flavors and dishes such as Ouefs en Cocotte, Chicken Liver Mousse with Crème Sherry and Braised Lamb Neck with Herb Dumplings.”

Jacob Fuhr has been tapped to lead the beverage program which will feature local beers and French varietals of wines.

Zucker plans to open Purlieu this spring with dinner service. Lunch and brunch will follow later.


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