Lamb Brains, Anyone? Graffiti Expands Next-Door

Graffiti Me (left) and Graffiti RestaurantsSuzanne Rozdeba

Care for some lamb brains?

Jehangir Mehta, best known as a memorable contestant on “The Next Iron Chef,” is planning to serve the gamey delicacy with an onion confit when he opens Graffiti Me next to his restaurant of five years, Graffiti. He said preparing brains is “as easy as slapping together a ham and cheese sandwich.”

The Local spotted a fresh coat of bright orange paint today on the 10th Street storefront that previously held bridal boutique Atelier Muse. Mr. Mehta is transforming the narrow space into a casual-cozy restaurant that he said would “literally look like your living room.” Though no graffiti will adorn the walls, chandeliers will create a “Bohemian chic” vibe. Lobster soufflé and bone marrow with fennel relish will be among dishes included on the three-course, $30 tasting menu.

Mr. Mehta, 40, will seek the community board’s recommendation for a wine and beer license at the SLA Licensing meeting on Monday. He said he thought the restaurant would open next month.

“It’s been a wonderful experience being in the East Village,” he told The Local. “It still has a ‘New Yorkness’ left to it. Not that the East Village hasn’t changed – but it still has its quirkiness, small places, hundreds of people living in rent-stabilized apartments, and thrift and trinket shops.”