I’m Hungry Just Thinking About It

If you eat, you’ll want to know that the Tribeca Citizen Restaurant Guide continues to be updated regularly. (To find it, just look for the blue logo.) Here are restaurants that have been added—because they’re new or I finally wrote them up—changed, or closed.

AOA Bar & Grill
Bouley Studio
Eddie’s Pizza
François Payard Bakery
JEM Café
Kutsher’s Tribeca
Laughing Man Marketplace
Nam
Pelea Mexicana
SHO Shaun Hergatt
Toloache Taqueria
Tre Sorelle
Tribeca Tap House
Zutto

And thanks to all who have commented on the restaurants’ individual pages! A few recent ones that have been memorable:

••• Franklin Caffe Buon Gusto: “We dined there over the summer and noticed that the take out menu prices are significantly less than the dine in prices for the same exact food!” —Wynne

••• Jerry’s: “We go to Jerry’s all the time. The fries are amazing and their mac and cheese is gourmet and the kids love it. Have never been disappointed with anything I have eaten. They also have drink specials for happy hour.” —Kerry

••• Marc Forgione: “He may be an Iron Chef, but his staff pours wine with an Iron Fist. I hate to whine, but how about using part of the other 99% of the glass when pouring? 1% doesn’t = $15….in this economy try pouring another 2-3%.” —Buzz

••• Tre Sorelle: “Loved the food. Took my kids to an early dinner after their Downtown Dance Factory classes. Everyone loved it. The kids asked if we could go back every week after class. I do wish there was a kids menu. Not kids food per se, just smaller portions with smaller prices for smaller bellies. I also loved that they have a gluten free pasta choice! I have a sister with Celiac (who is also a vegetarian) and it’s so hard to find options for her. I wonder if they’ll come up with a gluten free pizza too?” —DeeDee (she actually posted it on the New Kid on the Block article—you wanna make something of it?)

••• Zutto: “My first visit here since (probably) the late 80′s was a complete shock. A friend requested we meet here and my wife and I did everything to avoid it. Now we’re fans. I admit there was some snobbery at play. My wife and most of my family are Japanese. Over 75% of the ‘Japanese’ restaurants in NYC have no Japanese personnel at all. That’s no crime, of course, but it does invite critical comparison, and to say most places don’t pass muster is being very kind.

The place also has a history. I’ve been in the nabe since the mid-70′s when the dining scene was barren. When Zutto arrived in 1980 it was one of the first ‘serious’ restaurants to take a chance here, and it built a fond following on that. Sometime in the early 90′s, if I recall, the original Japanese owner sold it. From there it apparently lost its way. It managed to stay open as ‘neighborhood dependable,’ but I’m told the quality of the food went into deep decline.

A few months ago it was purchased anew, and put under the leadership of a new chef. The new menu (not fond of the trendy term ‘food program,’ but it sounds more rigorous, and so may apply here) is hard to describe. ‘Pastiche’ sounds like a put-down but it’s definitely not Japanese. The crew is Korean, and there are some Japanese dishes along with characteristic Chinese and Korean classics, but there’s quite a bit of traditional Euro-American fare as well. I’d say the characteristics that bind it together are the exceptional quality of the ingredients, care and delicacy in preparation, and grace in presentation. That praise isn’t overwrought. We came in prepared for disappointment and left delighted. The service is warm and attentive, the staff charming, the atmosphere welcoming, and the prices modest. (About the decor: If you are coming from a Japanese background there are some amusingly odd elements, but their eagerness to do right by their guests is part of the aforementioned charm). It’s always a great day when you can be surprised by any restaurant, especially one you thought you knew. I recommend a visit to the new Zutto very highly.” —David

••• Corton: “I went to Corton on Saturday and it was easily one of my best meals, ever!” —Yael

 

1 Comment

  1. So true about Corton!
    Combination of tastes is awesome.
    Note: if you arrive early, sit at the bar and ask the bartender to make you something delicious. He will deliver something amazing.
    Dining staff is slightly odd, but attentive.
    From the outside, the interior looks a little odd, but is pretty relaxing when you’re inside.