Today's New York Times reports that Bistro du Vent, the ugly duckling of the Batali/Bastianich gastro-empire, may be on the selling block. Bistro du Vent, despite its respectable earnings of $2.2 million, is running short of its bretheren, and it seems likely that it is being cut loose in order to secure funding for the $12 million behemoth that is Del Posto, and in particular to fund their ongoing dispute with their landlord. They are being sued over equipment that was allegedly installed in violation of their lease, and there is a chance that they may be evicted rather than given a chance to remedy the situation. A decision is pending in New York State Supreme Court.
Eater's original report of the possible sale
Bruni's two star review of Bistro du Vent
Table for Two's recent visit.
Gothamist's visit to Del Posto




Whoa, I keep eating there because it's near my office but I would say I've had at least 3 inedible fish dishes there (??? Pasternack/Esca connection makes that weird) and a gross chicken liver terrine. Staff is nice but definite yuck quality to the food.