I’ve never been to a Roberta’s–that may be a great pick for my group of 3. Thanks a lot!
The closest one is in Domino Park, 6 Grand. They have a new chef that I hear is good. The original is not that much further and to me is much more authentic. Both are good choices.
Booked for next month, looking forward to it!
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In town for work, I hit Rule of Thirds with some friends the other night. The food was good, not great, though service was fantastic. Their wine list is small and leans natural but clean, though the action is in the sake list: we had a Brooklyn sake that was delicious and a perfect foil for all the dishes. My one negative comment would be that there was some over-salting going on, but I am very sensitive to that so YMMV. The space is also pretty cool with an open, airy, industrial vibe I really liked. If I lived in Greenpoint I’d be happy to have it nearby, not sure it’s worth a special trip.
Last night I took my business partner out for his birthday to Gem. Wow, just wow. The food, the service, the wines, everything was on point. I think the only weak spot was the dessert (TBH I’m not big on desserts, this was for him), though it came with a candle for his birthday so that was a nice touch. It was a little loud, but I’m getting old and starting to notice this at places (damn it). I’m still thinking of that beef tongue…
I generally agree with your assessment of Rule of Thirds. The specials can be very good. And it is a great place for a big group (anywhere from 8 to 20+) and they are very wine friendly and will usually negotiate a set corkage fee.
I LOVE Gem but also feel it is a little loud but my guess is that they fix will that over time.
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lighting and sound treatment are typically ignored, very important, and generally easy fixes at restaurants. most “loud” places just haven’t done any treatment. it’s so frustrating and cheap to manage.
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Sound panels and other baffles are inexpensive and easy to install. I think many restaurants purposefully keep it loud so that diners will eat and get out. The opposite of hospitality.
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AKA The Stephen Starr effect
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funny you mention, pastis in NYC is one of the worst offenders. i hadn’t considered it could be purposeful.
Agree one million percent about Pastis. Went there awhile back with friends whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while. Due to the noise in the restaurant, we weren’t able to speak to each other much that night either.
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it is, or was, absolutely purposeful. Supposed to create a buzz.
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Finally hite Hainan Chicken House in Sunset Park and it was great. Not only was the chicken wonderful and available in varied ways the family run business was so welcoming. Reminds me of Anajak in LA. The son who is also a photographer has taken the family business to the next level and is a foodie himself. They are very wine friendly, corkage is $15 and I must say the food is extremely versatile with many types of wine. I plan on doing a wine dinner there soon!
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@Robert_Dentice or others…how was gem wine’s bottle list? I wasn’t impressed when I went to the old location and wanted to know if it improved or do they allow corkage.
Did you have the duck?
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Much bigger than the old list but still mostly natural. I think they have corkage policy just don’t know how much it is.
The duck was very good. Do not miss the Lion’s Mane Schnitzel! I need to get back before it is off the menu.
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The duck was delicious, the beef tongue outstanding., the Lion’s Mane Schnitzel wonderful. Frankly, to me the only real weak dish was the dessert (a tres leches corn cake, but I am not a dessert guy so YMMV). The wine list is very natural but not too dirty (my pet’nat starter was a bit wild but not mousey, and I am very sensitive to that), we had a Tessier Chenin Noir (never had that before) which was very bright and light and complemented most dishes well.
Another short visit to Manhattan : went to Claud and Rezdora , trendy places for sure and nice food but I fail to see the excitement . It’s very good but nothing more .
With my buddy Wilfred , we thoroughly enjoyed the Grill ( again ) : excellent food and service and fabulous wine list . A friend brought Chevalier Montrachet 2000 from Leflaive , I told him it would probably be oxidized but it turned out to be spectacular . The Ridge Montebello 1995 from the list was excellent . I did not care all that much for a Harlan and a Bryant , too much for my palate . But what a beautiful night .
Sushi Yasuda for lunch : the place was 3 quarters empty … I must have missed something but it used to be different . The food was good but not as it used to be when that grumpy chef was around .
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if you’re referring to Chef Yasuda, he left NYC over a decade ago…and seemingly retired from sushi to become a local security guard (???)
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yaacov
please tell me that’s not true!
those were some of the best sushi meals of my life
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that he left? yes, very true. a long time ago.
as for the retiring from sushi and is now a super sweet security guard? idk.
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i knew he left many years ago
all that talent and returned to japan to a security job?
i’ll just hope it’s not true