ASTORIA — The next few weeks may be the last chance for awhile to taste one of the city’s most distinctive blend of cuisines — Mundo restaurant’s mix of Argentinian and Turkish food. The owners of the popular eatery say they plan to close to take on a new challenge.
Guillermo Lucerofabbi, an Argentinian, and Canalp Caner, a Turk, have run their Zagat-rated and vegan-friendly restaurant on the corner of Broadway and 32nd Street for seven years.
But despite enthusiastic reviews, they decided to sell the restaurant and continue their business on a smaller scale requiring less time and commitment.
“We came up with this idea to have either a small place serving food to go or a ‘Red Sonja’ truck,” said Guillermo Lucerofabbi, 40, referring to the restaurant's most popular dish. “This way we could sell our products all over the city, embracing every borough.”
He said they are also considering approaching places like Whole Foods to discuss a collaboration.
"We are keeping the name and the menu,” Lucerofabbi said, adding that the favorite dishes would be part of their future endeavor.
Apart from Red Sonja, which consists of red lentils, bulgur wheat, fresh greens and oriental spices on green leaf lettuce and lemon – other well-liked dishes include a veggie wrap al pesto, empanadas and ottoman dumplings.
Lucerofabbi said that the new owners, who are in the process of acquiring the location, are planning to open a Mediterranean tapas bar.