New Matthew Kenney Restaurant Slated For May Opening

Fresh off the opening of upscale plant-based pizza concept 00 + Co earlier this year, vegan chef Matthew Kenney is preparing to open another restaurant in his home state of Maine named Arata. The new eatery, opening Memorial Day weekend in Belfast, will be a place “to test new ideas, experiment, and continuously innovate within the category,” according to Kenney. The menu will include curated dishes including Smoked King Oyster Buns; Kimchi Pancakes with Bibb Lettuce, Sesame, Chili Sauce, and Pickled Vegetables; and a wine and cocktail program. In addition to 00 + Co in New York City, Kenney is also the founder of his own vegan cooking academy, Plant Food + Wine restaurants in Los Angeles and Miami, and is planning for his first international foray with Plant Cafe opening in Bahrain in 2017.