Barbuto, Jonathan Waxman’s Haute Barnyard outpost in the Far West Village, has always been a restaurant noted as much for its unique space as for its menu. That might not be the case for the new Barbuto, which we hear is planned for next year in the Columbus Circle area. The Susan Magrino Agency, which handles Barbuto’s PR, wouldn’t proffer any details just yet but confirmed that the restaurant had a target opening date of September 2008.

This raises another question: Who woke up Jonathan Waxman? He’s never at Barbuto and seemed to be in a safe state of hibernation. Then came word from the Times that he was doing a southern restaurant, Madaleine Mae, on Columbus Avenue at 82nd Street. (He’s looking for a chef, the Voice reported.) Now he’s doing a new Barbuto? Please leave your theories in the comments.

Off the Menu [NYT]
Now Hiring: Jonathan Waxman [Eat for Victory/VV]