Maialino (Photo: Jolie Ruben)
In addition to this week’s opening of Bar Henry, the following restaurants are expected to open by November 18th. Always call ahead, as opening dates can change.
Maialino Danny Meyer channels his love of Italy into this Roman-style trattoria in the Gramercy Park Hotel, offering dinner only for now. A casual front room, dubbed Bar Maialino, will serve coffee and pastry in the morning (Meyer’s first foray into breakfast) and Italian wines and beers later in the day. In the dining room, chef Nick Anderer will offer classics such as fritto misto and Rome’s offalcentric quinto quarto cooking. Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave at 21st St (no phone yet)
Northern Spy Food Co. San Francisco chefs Christophe Hille (A16) and Nathan Foot (Myth) will introduce New Yorkers to their seasonal, market-driven cooking at this restaurant and retail store. Expect reasonably priced American dishes—with an emphasis on takeout and delivery—and locally sourced foods for sale in the store. 511 E 12th St between Aves A and B (212-228-5100)
Café Mei Mei Chef Robert Ribant (River Café) opens a seasonal American restaurant with a modern design that includes floor tiles patterned after a Mondrian painting. Market-driven specials will feature dry-aged prime steak, foie gras and other delicacies. Wines and beers are planned, but until the license clears, expect free pours on Fridays and Saturdays. 231 Court St between Baltic and Warren Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-852-8571)
The Mermaid Oyster Bar Restaurateurs Danny Abrams and Cindy Smith bring a New England–style fish shack to the West Village with this Mermaid Inn spin-off. Expect lobster rolls and raw-bar selections, as well as downscale dishes like tacos, fried calamari and clam strips. 79 MacDougal St between Bleecker and W Houston Sts (212-260-0100)
Cascabel Taqueria Chef-partner Todd Mitgang was forced to shutter his Crave Ceviche Bar after a crane collapse destroyed the space. He’s moved on to open this 30-seat Mexican restaurant lined with colorful lucha libre wrestler masks. The specialty is tacos, which come with fillings like house-made chorizo. Other dishes include gorditas stuffed with pork. 1542 Second Ave between 80th and 81st Sts (212-717-7800)
Le P’tit Paris A traditional French bistro from chef-owner Olivier Jouannard comes to Windsor Terrace. Look for dishes such as steak tartare and coq au vin, plus a well-priced wine list. 256 Prospect Park West at Prospect Ave, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn (718-369-3590)
