December 10th, 2009
It appears as if November is my record for latest restaurant-opening-roundup ever posted. I am sorry! I’ve been focusing a lot on trying to make the register ring at my day job. Speaking of which, can I interest you in a wine club?
Just kidding.
Seriously though
I’ll make it snappy since we’re already into December. I certainly don’t want to report old news. But in case you missed it:
Dos Toros
Burritos get serious at this laid-back Union Square joint with a focus on sustainability.
137 4th Ave, 212-677-7300
Why You Should Care: It’s owned by 2 brothers who frankly, seem like really cool guys. Read the site.
Ma Peche
Perhaps the most highly buzzed about opening last month was Ma Peche, Momofuku’s Midtown venture. David Chang hasn’t disappeared since opening Momofuku noodle bar a few years ago and with the release of his cookbook, he’s hotter than ever. Now that Momo’s popularity has extended beyond the downtown cool-kid crowd, the Midtown grownups can enjoy meaty banh mi and rice noodles with pork sausage and crispy shallots.
15 West 56th Street, Chambers Hotel
Why You Should Care: The $10 midtown lunch special will get you a sandwich or salad plus beverage.
Rye House
Union Square has another cool newcomer with this straight-talkin’ bar with a dozen craft brews on tap, thoughtful cocktails and small plates. It’s owned by the same people as tapas-restaurant Sala which operated for 10 years, so I have a feeling it’s here to stay.
11 West 17th Street, 212-255-7260
Why You Should Care: A “beef wellington” sandwich of filet mignon, foie gras pate and mushrooms on brioche should whet your appetite.
Northern Spy Food Co.
A cutesy restaurant and market from a couple of San Fran transplants. Like everyone else in the city, they’re focusing on local and seasonal but they take it beyond Long Island duck and go the extra mile with everything from Brooklyn granola to Kelso beer.
511 E. 12th Street, 212-228-5100
Why You Should Care: Everything on the menu is under $13.
OBAO
Hop around Southeast Asia at this nook of a noodle bar serving the stuff in all sorts like vermicelli with turmeric and dell fish, spicy red curry beef noodles and pad thai with red snapper. Summer rolls and BBQ dishes add more to an expansive menu of well-priced bites.
222 East 53rd Street, 212-308-5588
Why You Should Care: That photo looks pretty awesome!
Maialino
Thoroughbred restaurateur Danny Meyer’s “Roman Trattoria” in the Gramercy Park hotel. Its wacky name means “little pig” and is apparently an homage to Meyer’s appetite as a kid. The Immaculate Infatuation boys found it underwhelming, citing some repeated service errors, but I bet the kinks will be ironed out in time.
2 Lexington Ave, Gramercy Park Hotel, 212-777-2410
Why You Should Care: The man built Eleven Madison Park, Shake Shack and Gramercy Tavern. He’s not about to let his reputation run astray.
East Side Social Club
I am a big fan of Employees Only, one of New York’s first modern speakeasy-themed bars before troves of imitators followed suit. The bartenders there shake the shakers like they’re on speed. So I was delighted when my friend Ashley filled me in on their new restaurant which is livening up a hungry part of Midtown. The menu is traditional Italian, “harkening back to the days of Sinatra”, and the owners’ heritage.
230 East 51st Street, 212-355-9442
Why You Should Care: They’re open until 4AM! Though I can’t figure out why anybody would be in this part of town at 4AM. Unless you’re visiting Ashley ;)
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