James Beard Winner Karen Akunowicz Debuts Italian Neighborhood Spot in South Boston

2019 will feature lots of new restaurants from familiar faces, and one of those restaurants officially debuts today, February 4. Karen Akunowicz — longtime executive chef and partner at Myers + Chang in the South End, Top Chef alum, and James Beard award winner — opens Fox & the Knife in South Boston, starting with aperitivo time at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Located in the former Maiden space at 28 W. Broadway, Fox & the Knife is a self-described “Italian neighborhood joint” that showcases Akunowicz’s pasta skills. Prior to her time at Myers + Chang, she spent a year learning pasta-making in Modena, Italy, and she also worked at Via Matta, Michael Schlow’s now-shuttered Italian restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay.

The opening menu includes pasta dishes such as tagliatelle Bolognese with wild boar; trofie al pesto di pistacchio with feta and mint; spaghetti con vongole with saffron and fennel; and mafaldini alla anantara with olives and guanciale. Beyond pasta, there are breads (focaccia, as well as tigelle from Modena and carta di musica from Sardinia), salads, antipasti, and a few entrees, such as a harissa braised lamb with polenta. In the kitchen, Akunowicz is joined by executive sous chef Molly Dwyer (a Tremont 647 alum) and sous chef Tessa Bristol (who worked with Akunowicz at Myers + Chang).

On the beverage side, wine is the focus, especially natural wines, along with aperitifs, amari, and cocktails on tap, thanks to beverage director and general manager Alexandra Hayden, an alum of the Beehive and Barcelona Wine Bar.

Fox & the Knife is now accepting reservations for dinner six days a week (closed Sundays).

• Fox & the Knife [Official Site]
• Fox & the Knife Reservations [Resy]
• Fox & the Knife Coverage on Eater [EBOS]