Munk & Nunn

The restaurant formerly known as Zesty’s showed off its new name, new style, new menu and new bar earlier this month during it’s VIP grand opening party (which Aroundphilly readers were privy to). Now dubbed as the Munk & Nunn, the restaurant has a completely revamped menu, an expansive beverage program and a friendly, more approachable vibe.

Chef and owner Tom Konidaris has been studying dining’s movements and researching a new concept for his restaurant for almost two years. While contemplating his next move, a monk and a nun walk past his restaurant (not as unbelievable considering it was Halloween) and his friend said, “You couldn’t get a monk and a nun in here.” Konidaris liked the sound, the ring it had and the possibilities it held. Munk & Nunn: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry became the mantra. The restaurant was remodeled to incorporate the theme–monastery artwork on the walls, refinished church pews as seating, old-world lighting and a beautiful wrought iron gate that separates the bar and dining room. But it far from resembles a dark and dreary stone masterpiece that is so often depicted in the movies. Instead Munk & Nunn is warm, intimate and inviting.

Konidaris certainly has the experience needed to pull off the entire re-opening. Having opened 16 restaurants in his past, Konidaris understands dining’s movements, customer’s wants and the importance of an entire dining experience. “My main objective has always been to become friends with my customers,” says Konidaris. Having operated Zesty’s for 19 years, Konidaris is sad to say goodbye. “Zesty’s was a great name, a great establishment, a great location, but I had to change with the times.”

The demand of the times is now on small-plate menus with a focus on a bar-centric atmosphere. Munk & Nunn’s mission is to offer a more comfortable, simple and friendly destination while maintaining the quality his customers were used to. Konidaris’ signature plates (the crabcakes and octopus he is famous for) will remain on the menu with a bit of new flair. In addition, the menu will include a variety of small and large plate options, gourmet burgers, salads and brick-oven pizza.

But Munk & Nunn’s main attraction is the new 30-seat 360-degree bar. Beautiful, expansive and comfortable, the bar was designed to foster a sense of friendly community, a youthful casual atmosphere that young professionals to baby boomers will enjoy. Konidaris and his crew spent a lot of time researching the ideal beverage program: signature cocktails, wines, and micro-brews were handpicked to compliment the restaurant’s theme and menu; regional crafts and Belgian themed beers will be on tap, including Franziskaner, a German beer boasting a monk as its trademark; and state-of-the-art equipment has been installed to offer the highest quality and coldest beer in Manayunk.

All the elements of Munk & Nunn, from the beverage menu to the décor, have a story behind them that links them to the Munk & Nunn theme. “There’s a synergy with all the products and things we will be doing,” says Konidaris. “There are a lot of restaurants that just aren’t fun, but that’s what Munk & Nunn is all about, creating an environment where our customers enjoy every part of their experience.” The fun will include happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 to 7pm with complimentary snacks and small plates on Wednesdays, and a DJ spinning Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10pm.

Munk & Nunn’s new unveiling comes at the perfect time as the weather heats up and the crowds move outside. With an expansive outdoor seating area, the largest on Main Street, patrons can enjoy the summer sun while sampling M&N’s fare or cooling down with a margarita or craft brew. Konidaris was looking forward to the re-opening but was a little sad to say goodbye to Zesty’s. “It’s emotional, but I’m looking forward to taking [Munk & Nunn] and making it as successful as Zesty’s was these past 19 years,” says Konidaris.

Open 7 days a week, Munk & Nunn offers a lunch menu from 11am to 3pm, a bar menu available every day until 1am and a dinner menu from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Click here to see photos from the grand opening!