New York City : Coming Soon

Veggie-Minded in Midtown

BuzzEditor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:36:00 GMT

Fans of sustainable eating will soon have another option in Midtown. Otarian, a new vegetarian concept conceived in Australia (though initially launching in New York and London), is taking over the old Momo Sushi space at 927 Eighth Avenue. Designed with the environment in mind, the new restaurant plans to be "the first restaurant chain in the world to have a carbon footprinting system on its menu. When you order a veggie burger, there will be a statement about all of the emissions saved by your vegetarian meal compared to its non-vegetarian counterpart."

Cooking Back to Natirar

BuzzEditor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:58:00 GMT

A rendering of the Ninety Acres Culinary Center at Natirar

Photo: courtesy of Natirar

Billionaire, hot-air balloon enthusiast and Knight of the Order Sir Richard Branson has converted Natirar, the King of Morocco’s former Peapack, NJ, estate, into a luxury resort, spa and culinary center. The first phase of the project, Ninety Acres Culinary Center, debuts December 1, with a restaurant, cooking school, wine school and working farm. Chef David C. Felton, formerly of the nearby Pluckemin Inn, will run the kitchen using ingredients from the estate’s farm to create dishes such as kabocha squash ravioli with ricotta, maitake mushrooms, duck confit and bouillon; and roasted Chatham cod with mustard spaetzle, braised cabbage and cracklings. The high-profile owner, and lush interiors designed by David Rockwell, are sure to be a draw for cityfolk looking to explore new foodie territory (2 Main St., Peapack-Gladstone, NJ; 908-901-9500).

– Kathleen Squires

Readying Recette

BuzzEditor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Jesse Schenker

Photo: courtesy of Recette

Last night the Buzz went to a tasting preview of the forthcoming new contemporary American restaurant Recette ("recipe" in French), expected to open in Greenwich Village in mid-December. Originally a private dining concept in East Harlem, the concept (which comes from current chef/co-owner Jesse Schenker and pastry chef Christina Lee, formerly of Gordon Ramsay and Per Se, respectively) is moving to a cozy, 50-seat space complete with an open kitchen and small bar area accommodating eight (run by wine director Yun Ko). With options broken down into "snacks" and "plates," Schenker hopes to create affordable, shareable, but refined fare: for its winter menu, expect dishes such as duck carpaccio with chicken liver mousse, apple and thyme; scallop coconut saffron stew with mussels, celery root and basil; and desserts like deconstructed s’mores with graham cracker ice cream, chocolate wafer, toasted marshmallow and "hot" chocolate sauce with a hint of cayenne. As for the price point, Schenker hopes to keep everything below $20–25 (328 W. 12th St.; 212-414-3000).

Mermaid Sets a Date

BuzzEditor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:59:00 GMT

After expanding Uptown, the Mermaid Inn's latest outpost is almost ready to serve you. A call (and the restaurant's website) confirm that the Mermaid Inn Oyster Bar, the latest from Danny Abrams, should open in the old Smith's space on November 9 (79 MacDougal St.; 212-260-0100).

Sketching Out Stecchino

BuzzEditor — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:29:00 GMT

Set to open around Halloween, Stecchino, an American restaurant with Italian flair (and a pre-Prohibition theme), gets its name from the Roberto Benigni film Johnny Stecchino. The folks behind Chelsea Grill and the two Riposo wine bars are involved in the project, which will be located in the former Old San Juan space at 765 Ninth Ave. between 51st and 52nd Streets (212-397-2377).

Crafting cors'ino

BuzzEditor — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Following up on Eater’s posting this morning about brothers Jason and Joe Denton’s (‘ino, ‘inoteca) successful bid to Community Board 2 last night, the shuttered Frederick’s Downtown on Hudson Street, which we reported in our Fall Preview will open as Cantino, will now be known as cors’ino, “a play on words,” says Jason Denton, blending the obvious ‘ino connection with the Italian “corso,” which can mean “experience” or “course” as in dining. The Italian-American eatery is shooting for an October 12 opening.

– Kathleen Squires

Al Bustan Returns

BuzzEditor — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:26:00 GMT

Al Bustan, the venerable Lebanese that closed last December at its 827 Third Ave. location, is set to reopen in new digs on September 17. The space it's moving into at 319 E. 53rd St. was prepped last year for newcomer Creston’s American Grill, which unfortunately never opened.

Fall Preview

BuzzEditor — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:12:00 GMT

The new A Voce opens September 9.

Either the restaurant industry is in severe denial, or that recession thing hasn’t hurt as much as predicted, because this fall New York is witnessing an avalanche of openings. We’re all for the idea that it’s a sign of better times. Here’s what to expect this season:

Abe and Arthur’s: The Meatpacking District adds another clubby venue, with a brasserie-inspired menu from Franklin Becker (Brasserie). September (409 W. 14th St.; 646-289-3930).

Accademia di Vino: This West Side counterpart of the East Side original, in the onetime home of Docks Oyster Bar, will dole out thin-crust pizza, Tuscan small plates and a vast wine selection. September (2427 Broadway; 212-787-3070).

Ainsworth: Another Asian-American fusioner comes to Chelsea. September (122 W. 26th St.; 212-741-0646).

Amber: The Pan-Asian chain opens its newest outpost in a duplex space in the Village. September (432 Sixth Ave.).

Ardesia: This Hell’s Kitchen wine bar will focus on classic and little-known regionals, all at $15-and-under per glass. A menu of charcuterie, cheese and other snacks tops out at $16. September (510 W. 52nd St.; 212-247-9191).

A Voce: The Flatiron Italian brings a branch to Time Warner Center, in the ex–Café Gray space. September 9 (10 Columbus Circle; 212-823-2523).

Balaboosta: This NoLita offshoot of falafel favorite Taim will feature a full-on Mediterranean menu. November (214 Mulberry St.).

Baoguette: Michael Huynh’s quickly proliferating chain of banh mi shops will add one more branch in the FiDi. September (9 Maiden Lane).

Bar Celona: Tapas and cocktails set the tone at this new Williamsburg resto. September (104 South Fourth St., Brooklyn; 718-237-7828).

Bar Henry: A 19th-century townhouse provides the setting for this new Village wine bar with a list selected by John Slover (Blue Hill, Cru) accompanying a classic American menu. September (90 W. Houston St.).

Bill’s Bar and Burger: Steve Hanson turns the onetime home of the Hog Pit into a burger, dog and beer joint. October (22 Ninth Ave.).

B Clinton: Michael “Bao” Huynh’s Vietnamese on the Lower East Side will offer a $29 three-course daily market menu. November (6 Clinton St.).

Bistro Vendome: A Midtown townhouse will house this classically styled bistro. October (405 E. 58th St.).

Blue Elm: Chef Malik Fall (Boucarou) brings his African fusion fare to Orchard Street. September (198 Orchard St.).

Bosie: One hundred premium loose-leaf teas will be on offer at this West Village tea salon, along with pastries, chocolate and light breakfast, lunch and dinner fare. October (10 Morton St.).

Breslin Bar and Dining Room: Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig) team up again for a gastropub with a meaty focus in the Ace Hotel. October (20 W. 29th St.).

Brinkley’s: Ben Towill (Kingswood) lands his English pub grub at the former Bar Martignetti spot. September (406 Broome St.; 212-680-5600).

Brushstrokes: David Bouley brings a triplex Japanese cooking school and restaurant, complete with kaiseki room, into the former Secession space. November/December (30 Hudson St.).

Café Boulud: Daniel Boulud’s upscale bistro will reveal its renovation with an updated look courtesy of designer Geoffrey Beers. There will also be a new bar with a separate entrance and two private dining rooms. September (20 E. 76th St.; 212-772-2600).

Cafe Gitane: A branch of this French-Moroccan cafe opens in the Jane Hotel. October (113 Jane St.; 212-255-4113).

Cantina Latina: Lesly Bernard (Tillman’s, Permanent Brunch) takes on Latin comfort food in the East Village. September (243 E. 14th St.; 212-253-5708).

Cantino: Jason Denton of ‘ino, ‘inoteca and Lupa debuts a market-driven Italian-American eatery, with an accessible wine list and cocktails, in the recently vacated Frederick’s Downtown space. October (637 Hudson St.).

Capital Grille: This country-wide steakhouse chain claims a spot in the Financial District. September (120 Broadway; 212-374-1811).

Casa Lever: Dimitri Pauli and Gherardo Guarducci of Sant Ambroeus are transforming the former Lever House into an Italian eatery with a Milanese bent. September (390 Park Ave.; 212-888-2700).

Chanterelle: Karen and David Waltuck will unveil renovations just in time for the classic TriBeCan’s 30th anniversary. November (2 Harrison St.; 212-966-6960).

Cherrystone: The team behind popular Villagers dell’anima and L’Artusi will set its sights on seafood at this West Village spot in the former Bar Q space. The culinary traditions of the Chesapeake Bay drive the menu. November (308-310 Bleecker St.).

Ed’s Chowder House: Chef Ed Brown (eighty one) teams up with restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow for this “chic sea shack” on the Upper West Side offering a chowder bar and dishes like tuna steak frites, lobster rolls and crab cakes. September (Empire Hotel, 44 W. 63rd St.; 212-956-1288).

East Side Social Club: Downtown alum of Employees Only, Macao Trading Co., Raoul’s and Naked Lunch join forces in Midtown for this classic-cocktail haunt with a film-noir ambiance and an Italian-American menu. October (230 E. 51st St.; 212-355-9442).

Fatty ’Cue: Zak Pelaccio (Fatty Crab) and Robbie Richter (Hill Country) combine efforts for this Asian barbecue spot where fish and heritage breed meats will keep two giant wood-and-charcoal smokers busy, and an outdoor garden comes with a backdrop of the Williamsburg Bridge. October (91 S. Sixth St., Brooklyn).

Gansevoort 69: Florent may be gone, but its space is not forgotten. This spot looks to carry on the erstwhile diner’s comfort-food tradition. September (69 Gansevoort St.).

Grindhaus: The beer-and-sausage trend continues to boom with this German beer garden in Red Hook. November (275 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn).

Happy Face: Lat-Asian from the AvroKO gang (Double Crown, Public) comes to the north edge of the Theater District. September (1695 Broadway).

Highlands: Add this Scottish snackery in the West Village to the gallery of gastropubs. October (150 W. 10th St.; 212-229-9270).

Il Cantuccio: A famed biscotti bakery from Florence lands in the West Village. September (91 Christopher St.).

Le Caprice: The renowned London restaurant opens in the Hotel Pierre. October (795 Fifth Ave.).

Le Souk Harem: The clubby, Moroccan-French venue first popularized in the East Village moves west to a bi-level, 300-seat restaurant and event space. September (510 LaGuardia Pl.; 212-677-1120).

Lucali: The top-rated Carroll Gardens pizzeria adds a second Park Slope location. December (691 Sixth Ave., Brooklyn).

Macbar: Expect a dozen varieties of mac 'n' cheese at this adjunct to SoHo’s Delicatessen. September (54 Prince St.).

Maialino: Danny Meyer strives to save the day at the Gramercy Park Hotel, replacing the short-lived Wakiya with this Italian newcomer, a modern Roman trattoria designed by David Rockwell and featuring Nick Anderer (Gramercy Tavern) behind the stoves. November (Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave.).

Mercat Negro: This sequel to the NoHo tapas bar will ply Williamsburgers with bites from Catalonia. September (65 Grand St., Brooklyn).

Mermaid Oyster Bar: This third sister of the popular East Village and Upper West Side fish shacks drops anchor in the West Village. September (79 MacDougal St.).

Motorino: The East Village scores the second location of the popular Williamsburg pizzeria. Salumi, cheese, wine and soft-serve ice cream accompany eight pie varieties. September (349 E. 12th St.).

Nyonya: This Malaysian restaurant on the Lower East Side moves down the block. September (199 Grand St.).

O Bao Noodles & Grill: Another entry from the prolific Michael Huynh, this Midtowner will focus on grilled Vietnamese food and international noodles. October (222 E. 53rd St.).

Pequena: Another branch of this Fort Greene Mexican comes to Prospect Heights. September (601 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn; 718-230-5170).

Piccola Cucina Focacceria: Fresh-baked focaccia, in addition to the signature stuffed bread, will be the draw at this Piccola Cucina sibling, which also serves pizza and small bites such as rice balls and mozzarella in carozza. September (120 MacDougal St.).

Pies-n-Thighs: The fried chicken sensation in Williamsburg makes its long-awaited moves to a larger space. November (166 S. Fourth St., Brooklyn).

Piquant: Chef David Sharp (Mustang Grill, Vida) dishes out Southwestern cuisines in Prospect Heights. September (259 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn; 718-484-4114).

Press NY: Housemade breads drive this new sandwicherie making its debut with two locations. October (379 Third Ave.; 34 E. 23rd St.).

Pulino's Bar and Pizzeria: San Francisco’s Nate Appleman collaborates with Keith McNally (Minetta Tavern, Pastis, Balthazar) for a high-profile pizza project. December (282 Bowery).

Purple Yam: Those who pine for SoHo’s shuttered Cendrillon need not mourn any longer, as Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa resurface for Asian-focused cuisine in Ditmas Park. September (1314 Cortelyou Rd.; 718-948-8188).

Quattro Gastronomica Italiana: This Miami Italian debuts its first New York branch inside the Trump SoHo, with dishes leaning toward Northern Italy. Late 2009 (246 Spring St.).

Rabbit in the Moon: A new English gastropub hits the Village with a vast selection of dishes, beer, wine and signature cocktails. November (47 W. Eighth St.).

Rare Bar & Grill: Another rooftop-equipped location for the burger bistro launches in Chelsea. October (152 W. 26th St.).

Robataya: Owners of Soba-ya, Curry-ya and Rai Rai Ken are behind this robatayaki in the East Village’s “little Japan.” September (231 E. Ninth St.; 212-979-9674).

Saltie: Caroline Fidanza (Marlow & Sons) is opening this Williamsburg bakery/cafe offering sandwiches, salads and ice cream sodas. September (378 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn; 718-387-4777).

San Rocco: Traditional Italian food in a contemporary setting arrives at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. September (39 W. 24th St; 212-255-4655).

Screme Café: An Israeli sweets chain hits Manhattan, with waiter service and a menu comprised of desserts, coffee, gelato and sorbet. September (300 E. 64th St.).

SD26: Fine-dining vet San Domenico reappears near Madison Square Park. Three levels, including a wine cellar, will offer contemporary Italian cuisine. September (19 E. 26th St.; 212-265-5959).

2nd Ave Deli: New York’s favorite pastrami stop brings a branch to the Upper East Side. September (1442 First Ave.).

Spice: The Chelsea location of this Thai chain moves across the street. November (236 Eighth Ave.; 212-989-1116).

Stuffed Artisan Cannolis: This shop expands upon Italy’s most popular dessert, with over 20 filling flavors, including "almond love joy," peanut butter and jelly, and birthday cake. October (176 Stanton St.).

Stuzzicheria: More Italian small plates come to Downtown at this younger sibling of Bar Stuzzichini. November (305 Church St.).

Testaccio: An ex–Borgo Antico chef presides at this new Long Island City Italian. September (47-30 Vernon Blvd., Queens).

Tipsy Parson: This offspring of Little Giant will proffer an American-centric menu in Chelsea. September (156 Ninth Ave.; 212-620-4545).

Travertine: Top Chef cheftestant Manuel Trevino heads the kitchen at this SoHo Mediterranean. September (19 Kenmare St.; 212-966-1810).

Unnamed David Chang restaurant at the Chambers Hotel: Momofuku master chef David Chang brings a French-Vietnamese concept to Midtown. November (15 W. 56th St.).

Vanderbilt: Saul Bolton of Cobble Hill’s Saul unveils this small-plates American eatery in Prospect Heights. September (570 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn; 718-623-0570).

Village Tart: Pastry phenom Pichet Ong consults on the dessert-driven menu at this SoHo concept from Lesly Bernard, which will also serve soups, salads and pizzas. September (86 Kenmare St.; 212-226-4980).

’wichcraft at the Atrium at Lincoln Center: Another outpost of Tom Colicchio’s popular soup, salad and sandwich chain. November (Broadway at 62nd St.; 212-780-0577).

Xie Xie: The Asian sandwich explosion continues with a second location of Angelo Sosa’s shop. September (32 St. Marks Place).

Zucca Trattoria: An Italian trattoria slips into the Village spot that was once Pennyfeathers. September (95 Seventh Ave. South).

– Kathleen Squires

More on Maialino

BuzzEditor — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:14:00 GMT

More details just came in on the next Danny Meyer project, Maialino. Without further ado, here's what Union Square Hospitality Group has to say about the project:

"Danny and the Union Square Hospitality Group team are gearing up for the November opening of this new neighborhood Roman trattoria overlooking Gramercy Park. Lovingly designed by the Rockwell Group, Maialino will be located on the first floor of the hotel and will capture the warmth and comfort of a traditional Roman trattoria, re-imagined for its contemporary setting. Guests will be greeted in a front bar area that will serve as a local coffee bar in the morning and will later transform itself into a lively wine bar serving small plates of food throughout the day and into late evening. Beyond the bar, the trattoria will feature warm, saturated colors, wood planked floors, wainscoting, and windows overlooking Gramercy Park; a private dining room serving up to 20 will be available for events and celebrations. Maialino will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The executive chef will be Nick Anderer, former Executive Sous Chef at Gramercy Tavern, and the General Manager will be Terry Coughlin, formerly the General Manager at Tabla."

Four Seasons Goes Gardening

BuzzEditor — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:31:00 GMT

The Four Seasons Hotel's replacement for the shuttered 57 restaurant is almost here. The Garden at the Four Seasons soft opens Wednesday, September 2. Featuring more than 150 wines by the glass picked by sommelier Lacey Rozinsky (ex Le Bernardin), the newcomer will also offer food from the hotel's executive chef Anthony Zamora. The restaurant will serve lunch weekdays from noon–2:30 PM and wine and drinks from 5–11 PM, and weekend brunch is planned for later in the autumn (57 E. 57th St.; wines average $18 per glass; food $12–27; 212-350-6658).

A Voce Sequel Approaches

BuzzEditor — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:42:00 GMT

The date has been set for the opening of the long-awaited second outpost of A Voce, which opens its doors in the former Cafe Gray space in the Time Warner Center on September 16.

Get Fired Up for More Pizza

BuzzEditor — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:14:00 GMT

ZPizza is coming to Bleecker Street.

Photo: Hernan F. Rodriguez

A plethora of pizzerias are poised for Downtown openings within the next month. California chain Zpizza will offer organic pies at 298 Bleecker Street in one of the former Burritoville spaces. Taking over the 535 Hudson Street spot once occupied by Monster Sushi is a new branch of also-organic Slice. Finally, South Brooklyn Pizza will cross the bridge and open at 159 Prince Street in Soho, while the Meatpacking will host another Serafina in the former Inn at Little W 12 space (7 Ninth Ave.).

– Kathleen Squires

Charting the New Oceana

BuzzEditor — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Oceana

Photo: Hernan F. Rodriguez

The relocated Oceana (1221 Sixth Ave.; 212-759-5941) kicks off its lunch-only soft opening on Monday, August 17, but Zagat Buzz got an early peek at its new space inside the McGraw-Hill building.

Decked out in white marble and cherry wood, with double-stacked lobster tanks edging the open kitchen, the dining room offers a sprawling backdrop for executive chef Ben Pollinger’s à-la-carte-only menu, which ranges from the simply prepared (roasted branzino stuffed with spinach, wild mushrooms and olives) to the more adventurous (whole fried pink snapper with yogurt curry sauce). Diners can also belly up to the raw bar for classics like fresh-shucked oysters and contemporary tastes of tartar, crudo and ceviche – think razor clams with citrus and mint.

There are also several private dining options: a glass-enclosed wine room; a chef’s table in the kitchen, with front-line view; and a salon seating 80. A 500-bottle wine list and custom cocktails are to come with the liquor license. Until the booze police give the go-ahead (which should be within the next few weeks), Oceana will continue to be open for lunch only. A preview discount gives diners 20% off food until September 15.

– Kathleen Squires

Chod in the Chowder

BuzzEditor — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Center Cut will soon be Ed's Chowder House.

photo: Evan W. Miller

The Chod is at it again: Replacing the short-lived Center Cut in the Empire Hotel will be Ed's Chowder House, a “comfort seafood” collaboration between Jeffrey Chodorow and chef Ed Brown (eighty one) due sometime around September 15. Center Cut will remain open throughout August, with just a few days of downtime during the transition to the new concept (44 W. 63rd St.).

Dog Days

BuzzEditor — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:01:00 GMT

Hot dogs seem to be man's best friend this summer, with a slew of spots unleashing their signature breeds (see our recent round-up). Add this one to the litter: Bark Hot Dogs, opening Wednesday in Park Slope and serving 10 varieties of local, sustainable wieners like the NYC Classic (with sweet and sour onions and mustard, $5) made from only whole cuts of beef and pork with no fillers. If you're not hot for hot dogs, however, the menu also features seasonal specials, like a crispy pork sandwich ($8), free-range chicken sandwich ($8), fried zucchini ($6) and breakfast sandwiches for the morning crowd. Milkshakes, floats, natural sodas and Bark Red ale, exclusively made for the spot by Six Point Craft Ales, are available as beverage companions (474 Bergen St.; 718-7891939).