OH: Don't expect the Times's Frank Bruni to review it—Portfolio theorizes he HATES going to Harlem—but for everyone else, this three story restaurant/bar seems worth a try. Well, maybe not everyone; the top floor is a member's only club where $500 gets you "top notch service" and discount food and drinks. ($1000 gets you "full VIP access" to the cigar terrace.) Greasy Guide has a full review and reports that the menu features mini catfish sliders, mini turkey burgers with bbq sauce, gourmet pizza, and champagne sauteed shrimp: "It was also a great place to network. I gave out all of my business cards that I brought with me and everyone was super nice and talkative. So thank God that Harlem has all of these new places…Harlem is the place to be in NYC right now." Sure, he said the N word, but he's got a point about Harlem. 458 West 145th Street
Morton's: The downtown Brooklyn branch of this meat mecca opened last night with Mayor Bloomberg, Borough President Marty Markowitz, and a crowd of other pols and b-listers in attendance. Marty, ever the cornball, did not disappoint, telling Brooklyn Paper, "I’ve always said that Brooklyn is in the house, but thanks to Morton’s, we’re also in the porterhouse!" You are correct, sir! Asked whether he’d had enough to eat, he bellowed, “I did it all for Brooklyn!” This 80th Morton's location can accommodate some 300 carnivores; the Brooklyn Paper of the new Peter Luger's rival. 339 Adams Street (Willoughby Street), Brooklyn, (718) 596-2700
Sweet and Lowdown: Finally, a wine bar downtown! We kid; this place looks inviting and there's always room for one more, right? (At least until an angry mob gathers outside imploring you to "die.") Sweet and Lowdown is still below the radar, but Grub Street has the scoop on this all-American wine bar: "Tree-huggers beware: The candlelit space is where American oak trees came to die... Wine collector Scott Sinawi curated Sweet's wine list from the domestic regions you might expect — California, Oregon, and Washington — but New York and Virginia are also represented. There are small plates and even a mini-cupcake assortment from How Sweet It Is bakery next door for dessert." 123 Allen Street, 212-228-7746
And check out our photo previews on pretty newcomers Almond, At Vermilion, Vinegar Hill House, City Winery, and Undergounds Unite.
Photo of OH courtesy Greasy Guide.
