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With the myriad openings that always accompany the holidays (that’s when most bars & eateries hope to make enough money to sustain themselves during January & February), it is easy to forget old favorites and those unlucky few that opened during the doldrums of late summer.And of course there have been some sad closings and disappearing chefs.
Murmurs…..
Closings that hurt – Night & Day in Brooklyn has closed its doors – too bad for all the musicians and poets who were able to enjoy the art space on the lower level. There just are not enough venues in this city for the grossly underpaid performers and wordsmiths who need a space like Night & Day. Some say the food was the cause, but in the complex world of restaurateurs, landlords, partners and plain old theater, it’s not easy to surmise the cause of demise.
Beat the Meat: BLT Burger – My earlier enthusiasm for a good burger joint had begun to wane prior to Laurent’s new adventure in meat: BLT Burger. But darn, I bet it will be good. So many burgers, so few notches left on the belt. Help!
More Asian Openings
The plethora a big-box Asian and Asian-ish joints running along the cities arteries have not yet leeched out the love and money that such joints can drain from us. But many of the new openings are in the so-called Outer Boroughs (where are the inner boroughs?): Pho Mac on Staten Island, promising good Vietnamese food, which is sorely lacking here in Gotham City, and Zenkichi in Billy Burg Brooklyn, which is a gastro-pub through the lens of traditional Japanese dining.
Pho Mac1407 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island
Zenkichi,77 North 6th Street, at Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg (718-388-8985).
Not too fast! An opening of some girth and the return of Nierpoint (and Michael Bao Huynh).Yes, Tribeca needed this semi-precious stone to be set in her tiara.Nierpont has added modern Vietnamese to the mix (what about plain old Vietnamese?), a large and scrumptious space designed by Chef Bao, with a menu to match.
Mai House: 186 Franklin Street, Tribeca; (212) 431-0606
Places to Try
Boquería – Please, please try this tapas joint on West 19th
(http://www.nyc.com/restaurants/Boqueria.75692/editorial.aspx )
First, there are precious few places in NYC that actually understand what the Spanish do with tapas, and even fewer that do it in such an authentic way. Granted, tapas here are more expensive than they would be in Spain; here they are nevertheless as close to authentic as once can find. And the best thing is the vibe – it is busy and loud, but not in that cavernous and cold way that makes dining out in the city a shell-shocking experience. This is conversation and ordering and sharing at its best. In Spain, most people would be standing along the bar or along ledges on the wall, but we Yankees like to sit our asses down. Be prepared to wait for a seat if your haunches are heavy. But this is the kind of place you pop in for a glass of wine, some jamon, olives and other Iberian treats. If you want to be waited on and graced with linens and fancy flowers and specialness, this is not your place. If you have ever been to Spain, fallen in love with it, and cried like a baby when you had to leave, then this is the place for you. Proof that you can indeed fall into the arms of your old flame.
Lonesome Dove
(http://www.nyc.com/restaurants/Lonesome_Dove_Western_Bistro.75728/editorial.aspx)
Near Boqueria is Lonesome Dove, a hoedown for the high steppin’ meat eater who is not ashamed that he/she is in the game for the meat of it. In all seriousness, this is a place that one should try and should consider a great steak place. If you cringe at the sight of a cowboy hat, get over it.
Disappearing Chefs:
Where is Sascha Lyons?
Where is Michael White?
Tags:
Boqueria, Chef Bao, Lonesome Dove, Mai House, New YOrk City Restaurant Openings, Nierpoint, NYC restaurant buzz, Pho Mac, Vietnamese food in New York, Zenkichi
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Posted on 11/14/2006
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