Travertine's pig-head terrine (Photo: Jeff Gurwin)
Travertine Former Babbo sous chef and Top Chef season-four contestant Manuel Trevino will present a Mediterranean menu at this 58-seat restaurant. Dishes will include pappardelle with a rabbit ragù, and rack of lamb with crushed olive-oil potatoes and red-pepper mustard. 19 Kenmare St between Bowery and Elizabeth St (212-966-1810)
Bar Celona One-time fashionista Cynthia Diaz tapped cocktail consultants the Tippling Bros. to design the drink menu at her sleek Spanish-themed tapas bar and lounge. Their list includes eight different types of gin and tonic, as well as creations that feature Spanish ingredients (olives, saffron). A small-plates menu from chef Jordy Lavanderos (Secretes) will include bites like fried parsley-crusted olives stuffed with sobrasada sausage. 104 South 4th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-237-7828)
The lobster roll at Luke's (Photo: Christine Kaelin)
Luke’s Lobster Luke Holden and his father, Jeff, have a history in the lobster industry: Both have worked as lobstermen, and Jeff owns the seafood business that will supply his son’s East Village eatery. Authentic Maine-style lobster rolls will feature a buttered, griddle-toasted bun smeared with mayo and loaded with a quarter pound of lobster meat. Shrimp and crab versions will also be available. 93 E 7th St between First Ave and Ave A (212-387-8487)
The Boom Boom Room Hotel maven André Balazs unveils the first of a series of upper-level venues in his trendy Meatpacking hotel, the Standard. This one, on the 18th floor, offers 360-degree views (a sunken bar and banquette seating allow for nearly unobstructed sight lines), along with two outdoor terraces, one of which has a glass floor that looks down to the street below. A full bar will serve mixed drinks, beers and wines, but don’t get your hopes up of actually enjoying them: Entrance is granted only to those on the guest list—call the number below, and good luck. The Standard Hotel, 442 W 13th St between Washington and West Sts, 18th floor (212-645-7600)
Kolache Mama A type of stuffed pastry from Central Europe, kolache isn’t a household word…yet. As the featured item of this fledgling takeout-only chain—which plans to open up to 18 New York locations over the next two years—it may soon become one. The menu includes inventive versions, such as one filled with Texas smoked sausage. 45 E 45th St between Madison and Vanderbilt Aves (no phone yet)
Bad Service, Worse Food
I went there last night and ordered the fagotini. The dish was the most overcooked I had ever had and came out at room temperature.
My boyfriend had the gnocchi and that was also overcooked and cold!
The staff was rude and unapologetic. Don’t waste your time.
I had dinner there last week and had a horrible experience. My server was not at all knowledgable on the menu or wine list and snapped at us when we asked questions he didn’t know. My entrees arrived only minutes after my appetizer and they were room temp at best. The worse part of the experience was how dirty the place was. I saw a few rats milling about the front entrance and the street was very dark and unwelcoming. I won’t be going back.