New York City Restaurants

[Paul Jaouen]

If you all rush, kochi is byob. Probably until next week sometime.

best to check with the restaurant direct on corkage.

[Jay Miller]

We were at Marea on Jan. 26 as part of a party of eight. Sorry to say, as others have reported here, it was not up to what it's been (we were there about a year ago and that meal was much better). A little more specifically, one appetizer was excellent (I don't recall the name, but it was similar to the Canestrelli which is on the menu now). The fusilli, however, were disappointing, a bit sad and tired, nothing like what they were a year ago. The main was branzino, very good but nothing to write home about. Wines we chose ('15 Produttori Barbaresco, a Tempier Bandol white, and a '17 Negri Ca' Brione Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio were all very good or better).

ed: changed "Marna" (a child of spell check) to Marea, which is where we were. Thanks to the eagle-eyed Jay M!

This is very sad news. It was one of our favorite restaurants.

[Juliec]

True that paul. I call the rest all the time before I go (just called kochi last night). I was responding to the posters talking about jua and have a corkage fee. Kochi is getting their license any day now. I didnt get to jua in time. Usually if corkage is 50 the rest has some competitive mid tier wine or cocktail offerings.

[Zachary Ross]

True that paul. I call the rest all the time before I go (just called kochi last night). I was responding to the posters talking about jua and have a corkage fee. Kochi is getting their license any day now. I didnt get to jua in time. Usually if corkage is 50 the rest has some competitive mid tier wine or cocktail offerings.

I asked the board about Jua's liquor license status because I had not heard back from the restaurant, with whom I inquired first. Turns out, last night was the first night with a liquor license! At the moment, their cocktail and wine list is very brief: about 4-5 cocktails, and a total of 12 wines: 4x sparkling, 4x white, 4x red, all available by the glass. I expect that their list will expand in due time.

Food was great! And as Robert said, a steal of a tasting menu at $95 per person (+$30 for truffles added to the jjajangmyeon noodle dish, which we opted for and definitely did not regret).

[R@y.Tupp@+sch]

Made a reservation for Kissaki.

Has anyone been there?

[Barry L i p t o n]

Had a fabulous hybrid sushi/sashimi meal at Cages Sake Bar. Chef Hiromi seamlessly adapted the brilliant sushi omakase into a mostly sashimi format. I have now been blown away the two times I’ve went, Chef Tomita in the more exclusive back room and Chef Hiromi in the front. While the $95 (12 pieces plus hand roll) set menu may not be quite as exotic as the $180 (18 piece ) menu in back, quality was off the charts in both. If you aren’t tempted by extras, it’s a very reasonable price for this experience.

Thanks to Robert D for steering me this way!

And yes, the sound track was awesome! Something I rarely say.

[Robert Dentice]

Had a fabulous hybrid sushi/sashimi meal at Cages Sake Bar. Chef Hiromi seamlessly adapted the brilliant sushi omakase into a mostly sashimi format. I have now been blown away the two times I’ve went, Chef Tomita in the more exclusive back room and Chef Hiromi in the front. While the $95 (12 pieces plus hand roll) set menu may not be quite as exotic as the $180 (18 piece ) menu in back, quality was off the charts in both. If you aren’t tempted by extras, it’s a very reasonable price for this experience.

Thanks to Robert D for steering me this way!

And yes, the sound track was awesome! Something I rarely say.

Barry - so happy you enjoyed it and thanks for the write up as they could use the good PR.

[Ethan Abraham]

Jua question - red burg or is it hearty enough to stand up to a Rhone?

[Robert Dentice]

Jua question - red burg or is it hearty enough to stand up to a Rhone?

I would say no on the Rhone.

[Ethan Abraham]

Went with a red burg. 2010, probably could have gone with something a little older. Enjoyed the food though there are some climate issues when it's cold out!

[Zachary Ross]

Yeah they could use a temporary winter "airlock" door - it's chilly near the entrance.

[davidkong]

We were at Marea on Jan. 26 as part of a party of eight. Sorry to say, as others have reported here, it was not up to what it's been (we were there about a year ago and that meal was much better). A little more specifically, one appetizer was excellent (I don't recall the name, but it was similar to the Canestrelli which is on the menu now). The fusilli, however, were disappointing, a bit sad and tired, nothing like what they were a year ago. The main was branzino, very good but nothing to write home about. Wines we chose ('15 Produttori Barbaresco, a Tempier Bandol white, and a '17 Negri Ca' Brione Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio were all very good or better).

ed: changed "Marna" (a child of spell check) to Marea, which is where we were. Thanks to the eagle-eyed Jay M!

This is very sad news. It was one of our favorite restaurants.

I feel similarly. I don’t get as much enjoyment as say a babbo or maialino.

[davidkong]

Finally made it to Cafe Altro Paradise. We had an excellent meal that straddled the all day menu and the dinner menu.

A well composed fresh Arugula salad, one of the best Cacio E Pepe dishes that I have ever had followed by the whole dorade from the dinner menu.

Given what a huge fan I am of Chef Ignacio Mattos I can't believe it has taken me this long to try it.

Since they have a lot of geeky Italian selections that I am not familiar with we let the somm pick the wines with some very detailed guidance and he did an excellent job.

Can't wait to go back.

This place is such a great option, always seems to have a spot (not like it’s empty or anything). Estela is so good but harder to get a spot, I find

[davidkong]

With wife and son went to Le Bernadin for lunch. I haven't been to Chef's Table, but best 3 star experience I've had (and I believe over the years I've covered all the other bases--not one to hunt stars per se). Dishes were truly remarkable combination of subtle, exquisite sauces and perfectly (and often barely) cooked and fresh seafood. Striped bass tartare with black truffle reduction was out of this world, for example. Also, while the space is gorgeous and serene, the staff on the whole are quite friendly and welcoming. The one drawback is no outside wine at all--would have gladly paid $90-100 to bring my own bottle. The 2015 Roulot Auxey Duresse@$190 was not a terrible deal, however (about double current price) and it was a lovely drink in itself and especially with the food. (Great with the monkfish in bacon jus!) Definitely recommend for that special occasion.

Chefs table is a must, and their wine list is phenomenal. $120 for aged Ganevat if I remember correctly

[Robert Dentice]

Can't say enough great things about Legacy Records private rooms. I did a work dinner there last night for 15 people and it was perfect on all levels.

[Paul Jaouen]

If you all rush, kochi is byob. Probably until next week sometime.

According to manager last night free BYO will end next week. He’s thinking of starting corkage at $25 which is pretty good.

[Juliec]

Thanks Paul!

[R@y.Tupp@+sch]

Went for lunch at Kissaki yesterday. Minimalist but sleek room. They don't have their liquor license yet, but I inquired what their byob policy was. I was told it was fine to bring my own wine and their wouldn't be any corkage. I brought some stems not knowing what type of glassware they had. Upon arrival I was told that there was a misunderstanding and that I couldn't drink my Champagne and wine from my stems but they would "bend the rules" and pour the wines in the back into their tea cups. I didn't want to make a scene, so my friend and I acquiesced.

Sushi ranged from very good to ok and is definitely not in the first tier of NYC sushi restaurants. But it is fairly priced at $120 for 13 courses which includes gratuity.

The first sushi course with my "tea".

I may go back in a couple of months to see if they've progressed, but not sure.

[Robert Dentice]

Your intrepid reporter tried two new spots yesterday and I can recommend both

Goodmans Bar - opened in Bergdorf Goodman Mens store. Located on the 2nd floor right in the middle, prime real estate. Yes it is a bit odd an unlike most high end department store restaurants were they tend to be in locations that are not prime real estate. I think this shows how bad brick and morter retailers are hurting. On to the restaurant it was very, very good. If you happen to need a good meal in this area I would recommend it. Small focused wine list with a number of things I would be happy to drink.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dinin ... n-2895234/

Rule of Thirds (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) - I knew that George and Chef JT Vuong formerly of Okonomi were working on something. I knew it would be special. However I had no idea it would be this ambitious. We went during the media preview and I have to say I loved it. Great overall vibe. The space is stunning. You walk through an outdoor art exhibit into a stunning large restaurant. The food is Japanese Izakaya style. Overall the food was very good to excellent. Great Sake list and a nice small focused wine list. They will eventually be open all day. I am sure this will be added to the rotation...

https://ny.eater.com/2020/2/21/21147287 ... t-jt-vuong

[Herwig Janssen]

I went to Aquavit for lunch today . Lovely place , stunning wine list and great food . We had the herring ( great dish ) , the cod and the lobster .
Excellent dessert too . A gem .

[mark rudner]

quick tour yesterday
the dutch, ivan, ko bar and rezdora
wanted to go into essex market on dentice's recc of the contra crew's new wine bar but chose not to go inside with all of humanity
ivan is awesome. been a few times and does great ramen and lots of fun apps. 3 grimm ipas in can. great combo.
ko bar is just a perfect little spot. have the kinks in my head all day today. ape man....
rezdora was my first time. we got to the door at 4:55 and good thing we did. $60 corkage and they handled the 99 solaia perfectly.
tried 3 pastas but really wanted them all. place was packed when we left. highly recommend. will def'ly return for the right occasion

[Robert Dentice]

A few recent meals of note.

Roberta's - This has become our go to with visiting nieces and nephews and it is always a huge hit with them. The Blanca Chef's heard we were in the house and dropped three Blanca dishes with truffles on us! What a gesture, I will never forget it!

Omakase Room by Maasar - Visited twice in the last week. $90 for a 12 course and $125 for 17 course. BYOB. I can't emphasize enough how good this place is and what an incredible value it is. And truth be told I think they need the business given what is happening at the moment.

Atoboy - As great as always but a number of new dishes.

[mark rudner]

hey robert
been to atoboy twice since your dinner, and love the new stuff
i love bringing newbies there as they're always blown away by the (seeming) simplicity of the place

[Robert Dentice]

hey robert
been to atoboy twice since your dinner, and love the new stuff
i love bringing newbies there as they're always blown away by the (seeming) simplicity of the place

So nice to hear.

[R@y.Tupp@+sch]

Tanoshi Sushi on the UES was solid but nothing special. Brought my own stems with no corkage fees. Reasonably priced at just a little over $100. A good neighborhood spot but not worth the 20 minute and $20 Uber to get there.
Weird set-up in that the guests have to wait outside for each seating to begin and then one by one each party's name is called to be seated.

[Paul Jaouen]

Tanoshi Sushi on the UES was solid but nothing special. Brought my own stems with no corkage fees. Reasonably priced at just a little over $100. A good neighborhood spot but not worth the 20 minute and $20 Uber to get there.
Weird set-up in that the guests have to wait outside for each seating to begin and then one by one each party's name is called to be seated.

When Chef Toshio was alive, people would get visibly upset if they weren't seated on the side of the restaurant he was working.

[Michel Abood]

Tanoshi Sushi on the UES was solid but nothing special. Brought my own stems with no corkage fees. Reasonably priced at just a little over $100. A good neighborhood spot but not worth the 20 minute and $20 Uber to get there.
Weird set-up in that the guests have to wait outside for each seating to begin and then one by one each party's name is called to be seated.

Agree, it's a nice little place if you're in the area. My Mom lives a few blocks away so when I'm there I sometimes pop in with a bottle of Champagne. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there, but it is nice to have in the neighborhood.

[mark rudner]

i'm sure everyone has seen this but here ya go anyway

https://ny.eater.com/2020/3/12/21175439 ... ity-reduce

yikes

[Robert Dentice]

i'm sure everyone has seen this but here ya go anyway

https://ny.eater.com/2020/3/12/21175439 ... ity-reduce

yikes

Not sure this will matter for most. I went to Cagen Sake Bar last night and they only had 3 customers in the 2.5 hours I was there.

Restaurants are hurting bad. And all Asian restaurants have been hurting since this started.

I know everyones comfort level is different, if you can, go out and support your favorite restaurants.

[Greg K]

i'm sure everyone has seen this but here ya go anyway

https://ny.eater.com/2020/3/12/21175439 ... ity-reduce

yikes

Not sure this will matter for most. I went to Cagen Sake Bar last night and they only had 3 customers in the 2.5 hours I was there.

Restaurants are hurting bad. And all Asian restaurants have been hurting since this started.

I know everyones comfort level is different, if you can, go out and support your favorite restaurants.

I was at Rezdora and Manhatta the last two nights, and it was pretty busy. I hope that continues. Will see this weekend though, have a reservation at Maaser tomorrow.

[Robert Dentice]

i'm sure everyone has seen this but here ya go anyway

https://ny.eater.com/2020/3/12/21175439 ... ity-reduce

yikes

Not sure this will matter for most. I went to Cagen Sake Bar last night and they only had 3 customers in the 2.5 hours I was there.

Restaurants are hurting bad. And all Asian restaurants have been hurting since this started.

I know everyones comfort level is different, if you can, go out and support your favorite restaurants.

I was at Rezdora and Manhatta the last two nights, and it was pretty busy. I hope that continues. Will see this weekend though, have a reservation at Maaser tomorrow.

I will be at Maaser tomorrow for lunch.

[Greg K]

Not sure this will matter for most. I went to Cagen Sake Bar last night and they only had 3 customers in the 2.5 hours I was there.

Restaurants are hurting bad. And all Asian restaurants have been hurting since this started.

I know everyones comfort level is different, if you can, go out and support your favorite restaurants.

I was at Rezdora and Manhatta the last two nights, and it was pretty busy. I hope that continues. Will see this weekend though, have a reservation at Maaser tomorrow.

I will be at Maaser tomorrow for lunch.

Feel free to leave me what's left of your bottle

[R@y.Tupp@+sch]

Sat at the bar for dinner at Marea last night. A third of the bar chairs have been removed. The bar was full with diners, but the dining room was definitely less than the mandated maximum 50% capacity. The staff was pleasant as always, but not surprisingly, quite somber.
It was very sad. That said, I still plan on going once a week.
Opened a magnum of '02 Dom Ruinart that I shared with the staff and others at the bar.

[Jorge Henriquez]

Sat at the bar for dinner at Marea last night. A third of the bar chairs have been removed. The bar was full with diners, but the dining room was definitely less than the mandated maximum 50% capacity. The staff was pleasant as always, but not surprisingly, quite somber.
It was very sad. That said, I still plan on going once a week.
Opened a magnum of '02 Dom Ruinart that I shared with the staff and others at the bar.

Very generous and admirable of you Ray.

[mark rudner]

man that's a sad tale ray (great champagne but still sad)
let's hope this is in the rear-view quickly

[Jorge Henriquez]

All Quality Branded restaurants to close after tonight’s service until further notice.

[Herwig Janssen]

Boys , here in Belgium : all restaurants and café’s are closed completely for at least 3 weeks .
I would not underestimate that virus , it’s dangerous .
I would not be surprised that the US government will take the same measures in the days to come .

[mark rudner]

all closed at 8 tonight
pick up/take out ok

[Robert Dentice]

all closed at 8 tonight
pick up/take out ok

This is going to be very tough on lots of restaurants.

[mark rudner]

all closed at 8 tonight
pick up/take out ok

This is going to be very tough on lots of restaurants.

and the workers living paycheck to paycheck...
let's hope this doesn't last too long
fingers crossed

[ybarselah]

the ny state liquor authority is temporarily allowing restaurants to sell wine for off-premise consumption which is fantastic. there is an ocean of great wine sitting all over nyc in restaurant basements. if you're so inclined, reach out to them and buy wine. this is a huge help to them.

[m. ristev]

if anybody attempts this please report back...

[Nathan V.]

all closed at 8 tonight
pick up/take out ok

This is going to be very tough on lots of restaurants.

and the workers living paycheck to paycheck...
let's hope this doesn't last too long
fingers crossed

It doesn't have to last long to be devastating. My restaurant, Rue Cler (in Durham, NC), has suspended operations indefinitely and may never re-open depending on whether the industry is provided any stimulus or support. Our employees will suffer unless given immediate access to unemployment insurance (which is actually an escrow that we have been paying). This is the end of the restaurant as we know it. If a restaurant does not have deep pocketed backers willing to take a big cash hit in addition to the beating they took in the financial markets today, that restaurant will go out of business and the owner will be financially ruined once they get sued for the remainder of the lease. I'm personally OK because I don't draw my primary income (or much at all if you know anything about the economics of restaurants) but my employees will not be. The human toll on workers in this industry will be catastrophic.

Pete Wells doesn't go dark enough but does give you a taste:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/dini ... virus.html

[ybarselah]

if anybody attempts this please report back...

compagnie already offering 25% off their entire list. no need to attempt this - make a call if you think you want something.

[Dennis Atick]

This is not specific to NYC restaurants, but in light of Nathan's serious post above, it resonates.

I love this guy:

[RyanC]

This is not specific to NYC restaurants, but in light of Nathan's serious post above, it resonates.

I love this guy:

He's a national treasure.

[Nathan V.]

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday he plans to order restaurants and bars closed except for takeout and delivery orders.

The move aims to lessen the spread of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the novel coronavirus — by limiting interactions between large groups of people. A number of other states have issued similar orders, including New York, Ohio and Florida.

Cooper said his executive order would be effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday and would also include an expansion of unemployment insurance.

NC bars and restaurants closing. Hopefully our furloughed employees will get immediate access to unemployment insurance.

[Michel Abood]

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday he plans to order restaurants and bars closed except for takeout and delivery orders.

The move aims to lessen the spread of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the novel coronavirus — by limiting interactions between large groups of people. A number of other states have issued similar orders, including New York, Ohio and Florida.

Cooper said his executive order would be effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday and would also include an expansion of unemployment insurance.

NC bars and restaurants closing. Hopefully our furloughed employees will get immediate access to unemployment insurance.

Best of luck to you and your employees Nathan. The hospitality industry will be devastated around the US, that's for sure.

[Dennis Atick]

[Stan Y.]

It doesn't have to last long to be devastating. My restaurant, Rue Cler (in Durham, NC), has suspended operations indefinitely and may never re-open

I am truly sorry to hear this Nathan. You guys have done an excellent job over many years which is quite uncommon in the business.