Results tagged “didiervirot”

Arthur Emil, the man behind the late Windows on the World and The Rainbow Room, has won the coveted contract to operate the famous Oak Room and Oak Bar (pictured) in the Plaza Hotel, which is near the end of a three-year, $400 million makeover. The 18 story landmark building opened in 1907 and operated as a hotel until 2005, after being sold for $675 million. After delays blamed on “red tape”, the Plaza is expected to open by the end of March as an upscale condominium with retail space and a smaller hotel.

This week Bruni goes to P*ong, the dessert/savory restaurant brought to us by pastry chef Pichet Ong (formerly of Perry Street and Spice Market), awards the restaurant one star. Finds the restaurant "tantalizing, often irritating," and says it challenges one's ideas of what should be sweet and what should be savory. But the desserts are the restaurant's strenth, says Bruni, and also it's too crowded and the service is not good enough to make staying for a longer meal worth while. He likes the special cocktails, though.

This week in the Times, Bruni goes to Insieme, awards the restaurant two stars. Says, “When Isieme is good, it’s outstanding, and any serious food lover should head here fast…” He hates the atmosphere, though, and the salmon. Insieme is the second restaurant in midtown this year where he’s been “frustrated by the way some dazzling cooking is undercut not only by unevenness across the menu or inconsistency in the kitchen but also by atmospherics that don’t pull their weight and live up to the rest of the production.”

Bruni visits the recently reopened Provence (now owned and run by Cookshop & Five Points’ Marc Meyer and Vicki Freeman), awards the restaurant one star. He likes the minimal changes they’ve made to the design; the food, not so much: “Provence’s is inconsistent and dull,” he says. He does like the wine and the cheese selection though.

FR.OG -- This sleek space in SoHo brings together Chef Didier Virot and his partner from Aix Brasserie, Philip Kirsh, in a tribute to parts of the world that had at one time been colonized by the French and influenced by French cuisine. The name stands for French Origin (it has nothing to do with amphibians), and the menu provides a global culinary romp with stops in Vietnam, Morocco, Lebanon and, of course, France. The sleek, trendy space (pictured above) seats 120 on two levels including some seats with a view into the open kitchen. Be sure to try the FR.OG martini -- vodka with a touch of cardamom and star anise. 71 Spring Street, between Broadway and Lafayette, 212-966-5050.

Unless you've been under a rock (or perhaps out of the country for the last week or so), you've probably seen all the hooplah about this fall's upcoming culinary offerings. New York Mag was first on the scene with their fall preview issue, followed closely by the New York Times (offering "sooner" and "later" openings), and Andrea Strong. Here are some of the spots we're the most excited to try:

Gothamist always eagerly anticipates the Easter Bunny's annual visit. Not only does it mean we get to gorge ourselves on Cadbury Creme Eggs and Peeps (which we don't go anywhere near the rest of the year or we'd be bouncing off the walls), but even more so than the sugar high, we can look forward to a delectable meal. But where to go? Well, for starters, New York Magazine highlights a few spots for Easter pastries and breads, Italian style, which always makes for a good start, or at least can serve as a snack to hold you over until the main event -- the Easter brunch or dinner. Several restaurants are offering special Easter menus. Gothamist is going to Lupa to enjoy their four-course Easter feast courtesy of chef Mark Ladner, featuring Roman Easter soup with lamb meatballs, among other dishes.