reviews

Looking for a hot new restaurant to go to for a birthday dinner, or a swanky downtown joint to grab dinner and drinks with friends? Search my reviews below, or email me if you can't find what you're looking for. Wanna get the low-down on the newest restaurants going up? Get the strong buzz. (Please note: You can freely link to my restaurant reviews, but republishing any part of them without written permission is expressly prohibited. For information and syndication details please email syndication@thestrongbuzz.com).

“Casa Mono/Bar Jamon”
With Casa Mono, a snug little restaurant on the corner of 17th and Irving Place, Mario Batali has stepped off of familar Italian earth and onto virgin territory--the land of Spain, specifically of the culinary and fashion hotbed known as Barcelona ...
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Posted: December 28, 2003

“In Vino”
Okay, I have a confession to make. I am officially a wine bar tramp. I was in love with ‘inotecca, fully and completely committed to its charming and super-knowledgeable bartender Jason Crume, not to mention its affordable and expansive win ...
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Posted: January 3, 2004

“David Burke and Donatella Restaurant”
David Burke and Donatella Restaurant Aside from the name, which I consider an unfortunate exercise in narcissism, David Burke and Donatella Restaurant is a white-hot spot with a terrific and creative American menu. Owned by th ...
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Posted: January 6, 2004

“Bivio”
Owned by Danny Emerman and Alessandro Prosperi, the smart and Italian-savvy pair who own Barocco, Bot and Bottino (apparently these men have a fetish with the letter “B”), Bivio is a swanky joint located on the corner of Hudson and Hor ...
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Posted: January 10, 2004

“Chestnut”
Located on the Clinton Street of Brooklyn (that would be Smith Street), Chestnut is already stealing cult business from The Grocery located across the street. With its wide French doors, high blond chestnut-beamed ceilings, raw ...
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Posted: January 17, 2004

“Riingo”
Riingo Let me get right to the point with this review of Riingo, Marcus Samuelsson's new Asian venture at the Alex Hotel. Call now. Make a reservation. Stay on hold for as long as it takes. Hire friends to call if you must. GO NOW. This ...
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Posted: February 1, 2004

“Amma”
At Amma, an elegant, petite, pumpkin-colored Midtown spot serving excellent Indian fare, you’ll find tables jammed with eager curry lovers kvelling over dishes of Goan shrimp, piles of toothsome bhel puri, and plates of frizzled okra with t ...
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Posted: September 3, 2003

“Azul Bistro”
Located on a sleepy corner of Stanton Street in the now hip ‘hood known as the Lower East Side, Azul Bistro is a seductive corner spot with raw wood accents, and low lighting. Serving South American fare to the soft rhythm of tango music, Az ...
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Posted: October 7, 2003

“Bao 111”
This sleek little spot on Avenue C gets major snaps for its contemporary brand of Vietnamese fare. Drawing an eclectic crowd of stiletto-ed babes and overly coiffed men, as well as those without a care about fashion, Bao 111 is an alluring space, ...
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Posted: April 2, 2003

“Cafe Sabarsky”
Located in the Neue Galerie, facing the magnificent Central Park on Fifth Avenue, Café Sabarsky offers a taste of Austria in a spectacular New York City setting. With sky-high ceilings, marble pillars, crystal chandeliers and elegant broca ...
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Posted: March 3, 2002