In the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood, a new culinary spot named Rose Marie has opened its doors, inviting diners into a playful and friendly atmosphere. The newly launched eatery comes from Krystiana and Dave Rizo, the dynamic couple behind the popular East Village restaurant Yellow Rose, which made its debut over the weekend.
Rose Marie is quickly garnering attention, particularly for its standout patty melt topped with a pickled green tomato, a dish the couple spent a dedicated day perfecting to ensure it resonated with their vision of the ultimate comfort food.
Krystiana recalls, “There were many different variations — obviously, everyone has their opinions on what they think the perfect patty melt is, because it is such a classic dish.” This attention to detail reflects the duo’s passion for food and the diner experience.
The ambiance at Rose Marie is intentionally eclectic, blending Southern influences with a broader culinary identity. Diners can indulge in a full meal, such as saltine-crusted fish, or enjoy lighter fare like toast adorned with Campo Rosso Farm corbaci peppers, sungold tomatoes, parmesan, and olive oil. Additionally, the bar menu features seasonally-driven drinks like a pickled rhubarb martini and a guava daiquiri, curated by the talented Margaret Fitzgerald, who has previously contributed her skills at Yellow Rose and Ramona bar.
The restaurant’s name, Rose Marie, is inspired by the Bob Dylan song “Goin’ to Acapulco” and serves as a tribute to their business partner Tracy Spetka’s mother, Rosemary. The design aesthetic of the space showcases a unique mix of quirky finds, including items sourced from various auctions and personal collections, giving the venue a whimsical yet homey feel. As guests venture into the dining area, they are greeted by a Cevallos Brothers poster in the bathroom and a vibrant poster from Les Blank’s film, Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers, on the dining room wall.
The journey to find the perfect space for their new venture was not straightforward for the Rizos. Krystiana mentions, “We had been looking for a space for another project for a few years now,” indicating the time and effort invested in establishing Rose Marie. They eventually chose a quaint location at 524 Lorimer Street, situated at the intersection of Ainslie Street. This spot previously housed a short-lived restaurant and is filled with character and ample natural light, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The couple aimed to create a distinct identity for Rose Marie, steering away from their Tex-Mex roots established at Yellow Rose. “Dave never thought he’d be cooking Tex-Mex — that was never really his thing,” states Krystiana, explaining that their restaurant’s current concept was not entirely planned but organically evolved during the pandemic. They began doing taco pop-ups, discovering considerable interest and demand, which led to the eventual opening of Yellow Rose in 2020, celebrating their Texas heritage and popularizing handmade flour tortillas in New York.
Dave, whose culinary background includes experience at Superiority Burger, possesses a penchant for crafting vegetable-centric dishes that frequently change based on farmers market offerings. However, establishing a brand identity with Yellow Rose meant many customers preferred signature items, so the duo is excited about the opportunity to explore new ideas more freely at Rose Marie. Dishes like the chicken cutlet topped with a creamy Campo Rosso Farm slaw reflect this new approach and are expected to resonate well with diners seeking fresh tastes.
Distinctly, while Rose Marie and Yellow Rose can thrive independently, the Rizos have a remarkable aptitude for fostering a laid-back and inviting environment that captivates diners, encouraging regular patronage. “For us, our philosophy has always been the kind of place that everyone can hang out in,” Krystiana reflects, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for guests of all moods and price points.
Currently, Rose Marie operates daily from 5 PM until midnight, with plans to potentially introduce brunch offerings in the future as they continue to gauge community interest. The Rizos’ deep commitment to their culinary craft and the enjoyment of their patrons suggests that Rose Marie is poised to become a beloved fixture in the vibrant Williamsburg dining scene.
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