An Upper East Side restaurant known for its flavorful dishes and its commitment to feed its hungry Yorkville neighbors who can’t afford a hot meal, now needs a dose of kindness and a helping hand of its own. After an emergency last week forced Con Edison to indefinitely cut gas service to The Drunken Munkey, the popular Indian restaurant says it is adapting to survive and it needs your support.
“This was sudden and a shock — it has essentially shut down our kitchen operations,” the restaurant explained in a post to social media on Saturday afternoon.
Temporarily closed since last Tuesday, March 21st, The Drunken Munkey, located at 338 East 92nd Street, between First and Second Avenues, finally reopened on Sunday afternoon — albeit with a much smaller menu, featuring a limited number small plates since the restaurant’s kitchen isn’t cooking with gas anymore.
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Upper East Site was allowed inside The Drunken Munkey’s kitchen to see the chef working with just two induction cooktops and two electric-powered deep fryers, ready to pump out crispy samosas. On stand by, are two MerryChef high-speed ovens, waiting to be hooked up, which are expected to lighten the load on kitchen staff as the restaurant pivots to all-electric.
“Over the next month, we will upgrade to new cooking technologies, equipment and techniques,” the restaurant added “We ask for your patience as we iterate daily to transition back to our full dinner menu.”
The menu, which is expected to evolve, begins with a trio of sliders made with hot buttered rolls topped with Masala Paneer, a hand-grated artisanal cheese, Churchgate Aloo, a type of seasoned mashed potatoes, or Yorkshire Masala slow-braised short ribs.
Shared plates include pan-fried spiced mashed potato cakes, puri crispy flour puffs, chicken and vegetable samosas, garlic and cilantro marinated shrimp cocktail, as well as crispy okra. A fresh cucumber and mango salad with cashews, pomegranate, chili and lime is also available for diners hungry for a lighter dish.
Dessert lovers have no need to worry, there are plenty of options too satisfy a sweet tooth, including a rum and chocolate cricket ball, sticky toffee pudding and cardamom creme brûlée.
The Drunken Munkey is quick to point out while their food menu is limited, their fresh made, creative craft cocktails are still flowing — so be sure to stop by for one or more.
Last summer, Upper East Site reported on The Drunken Munkey’s community service-focused program to feed hungry Upper East Side residents.
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About a year ago, the restaurant posted a small sign reading ‘Hungry & Need A Meal?’ announcing it would offer a hot meal to those in need each night, and has since provided 15 to 20 meals each day, seven days a week, those struggling to make ends meet or unable to afford food.
“Over the years, with the unwavering support of our staff and our valued guests, we’ve overcome many challenges,” The Drunken Munkey team says.
“This hurdle is no different, we will come out stronger from this one too!”
