Results tagged “johndory”

Cafe des Artistes, the beloved romantic West 67th Street restaurant near Lincoln Center, has closed, according to the Diner's Journal. Owners Jenifer and George Lang "said they had closed for vacation earlier this month and had planned on reopening in September, but changed their minds," with Jenifer Lang explaining, "George is 85, business has been down - not terrible, but down, like everybody else’s - and we feel it’s time." In 2003, NY Times restaurant critic William Grimes felt the food was uneven, but, "If ever a restaurant had fine, aristocratic bone structure it is Café des Artistes. Diners have only to take one step inside, and the tumultuous New York world outside disappears in a flash, replaced by lush floral displays, flattering lighting and Howard Chandler Christy’s pastel murals of naked beauties prancing through romantic landscapes." The Diner's Journal says it's unclear what will happen to the cafe—also seen in Woody Allen's Manhattan Murder Mystery—which is owned by the building. In other news, Meatpacking seafood restaurant John Dory may have closed, though owner "Ken Friedman will not confirm or deny, telling [Eater] the reservationist was premature in confirming their final night."

This week in the Village Voice, Robert Sietsema has his turn with The John Dory (photos), the new seafood place from the owners of The Spotted Pig. He concurs that "the menu is sometimes shockingly expensive. On our first visit, a half-dozen oysters set us back $24." But some items are worth it, like the cod milt (fish sperm, $16), "a dish that defines just how far the menu will go to deliver novel seafood sensations. While this may conjure up images of ejaculating fish and hapless under-chefs running after them with paper cups, the semen comes in a sac that fries up like sweetbreads. For aficionados of weird food, it's delicious." And Sarah DiGregorio loves Bushwick's Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, where "the tortillas are wonderful: thick, slightly chewy, and fragrant."

Prespa: This new bi-level restaurant and lounge is named after two freshwater lakes in southeast Europe shared by Greece, Albania, and the Republic of Macedonia. It's a redesign of what was formerly Prespa Mediterranean Brasserie, and Strong Buzz says Murray Hill gourmands are fervently hoping it'll become a local dining oasis in their mediocre neighborhood. The menu from Executive Chef Richard Farnabe (Jean-Georges, Montrachet) emphasizes Mediterranean tapas, but there are also full size entrees such as Braised Short Ribs with pine nuts, apricot and carrot fritters ($12/$27); Paupiette of John Dory with foie gras, chanterelle and yellow wine sauce ($17); and Broiled Black Cod with jicama and avocado salad ($11/$28). (Officially opening Monday for lunch and dinner.) 184 Lexington Avenue, between 31st and 32nd Street; (212) 810-4335