Mollusca proprietors describe mussel-focused restaurant; committee presses on hours, music and sidewalk seating

Owners and representatives seeking an on-premises liquor license for a new concept called Mollusca (also referred to in testimony as Miluska/Miloska) at 1 Little West 12th Street presented their plan to Community Board 2’s Licensing Committee. The applicants described a full-service seafood restaurant whose signature offering is mussel bowls; they said the concept operates in Russia and that this would be the group’s first U.S. location.

Why it matters

Neighbors and committee members voiced concern because the block already has heavy sidewalk seating density, and because the prior tenant at the address generated contentious permit and operating-history questions. Committee members pressed the applicants on hours, sidewalk-cafe size, music, events and whether those operating the new restaurant have verifiable New York experience.

What applicants said

Representative Max Bookman said the application is an OP-to-OP transfer; he and the named operators described plans for a 9-table sidewalk cafe (18 seats) and asked for the committee’s usual stipulations on door/window closing.…