LONG ISLAND CITY — Mundo, a popular Astoria eatery that closed two years ago and was known for its unique blend of global cuisines, will reopen at a hotel in nearby Long Island City.
Owners Guillermo Lucerofabbi and Canalp Caner are hoping to open in the new space this summer at The Paper Factory, a hotel that debuted in December at 37-06 36th St. The news was first reported by the blog Tastoriaqueens.
Mundo had been open for seven years at its former space on the corner of Broadway and 32nd Street, where it gained a loyal following for its vegetarian-friendly menu which offered a mix of Argentinean and Turkish flavors.
"A lot of people were saying, 'You guys did so good in Astoria. People like you a lot, and they miss you, why don’t you reopen?'" Lucerofabbi said of their decision to launch the new site.
The space in the hotel will have two floors, one for dining as well as a bar dedicated to South American spirits and drinks. The lower level will be used as an event space to host things like live bands, DJs or even ballroom dancing, Lucerofabbi said.
He said they are planning to offer the same menu as their former space, though with a few new dishes. Mundo fans can expect to once again be able to order the "Red Sonja," the restaurant's most popular item — red lentils, bulgar and scallion served on lettuce with a touch of lemon.
Lucerofabbi said they've gotten a lot of positive feedback as news of Mundo's reopening has spread.
"We received a lot of emails today, and people posting things on Facebook and Twitter," he said, saying he wants to make sure the new space exceeds expectations.
"We got so much love and support from people that I want to do the same thing, or even better."
