When it comes to food on the Upper West Side, there’s a lot to talk about.
Food critic Robert Sietsema reacted to the closure of Gray’s Papaya in the Village by proposing an “Historic Restaurant Preservation Plan” that would allow communities to preserve their most beloved eateries. “Let’s say we appoint a committee of three, consisting of a chef, a city councilperson, and a real estate representative, who are tasked with the responsibility of selecting a list of irreplaceable dining institutions that deserve to be officially protected.” The committee would mediate negotiations between landlords and restaurant owners, and step in when an historic spot was threatened. The lone restaurant listed on the Upper West Side was Barney Greengrass on 87th street and Amsterdam. Check out the full list and proposal here. Read our piece on why Barney Greengrass is essential to the Upper West Side here.
Kosher rules or supervision have apparently changed for baked goods at Fairway. I do not understand the intricacies here, so if you do please explain in the comments. Chowhound has the lowdown here. Read through the comments there for a lengthy discussion of Kosher rules.
Jacob’s Pickles on Amsterdam and 83rd has a new executive chef named Robbie Cohen. In an interview with Joonbug, he offers few clues about what changes he might make, but he sounds like he’s on board with the restaurant’s Southern comfort food vibe. “Chef Robbie Cohen brings a passion for comfort food and a formidable background to the table. As the son of a restaurateur and a veteran of regional American restaurants like City Crab and Seafood and McCormick and Schmick’s, Cohen has the experience to back up his love of “Made-in America” food and drink, which he and [owner Jacob] Hadjigeorgis share.”
Comedian Louis CK was recently spotted chowing down at Ditch Plains on 82nd street, sayeth Page Six.
Every food reviewer likes RedFarm on 77th and Broadway. The Observer’s Joshua David Stein wrote a particularly fun review last week. It includes an overheard conversation about swingers and some criticism of the food’s presentation and effusive praise for the food. “Almost everything that emerges from the kitchen is likely to be some of the best Chinese food you’ll ever have. That RedFarm is such a well-oiled (though not greasy) machine is a good thing too. The restaurant is as crowded as the downtown 1 train at rush hour.” But Stein does wish that the owners were slightly more serious about the food’s presentation, and about explaining it to customers. He gave it four stars out of five.
Bill Telepan’s Tribeca spinoff is open. The Tribeca Citizen had some mixed first impressions.
Ah, this must be why Fairway’s stock is down 30% in the last two weeks. lol.
Not to mention it is a disgusting and dirty place to shop (at least at W74th St)with foul/dirty shopping carts – and in my view – bad produce, rude stock clerks,isles perpetually blocked with items waiting to be shelved and many cashiers who think it is just good organization top place your 5 pound bag of potatoes on top of your potato chips. I avoid every time I can in favor of Whole Foods where you get what you pay for…and they are nice.
Re the “Historic Restaurant Preservation Plan.” The kindest thing to say is “silly.” We’re not taling about Stonehenge or Notre Dame. Beloved or not, there comes a time when it’s time to go. The bottom line will let you know.
Someone needs a reality check.
Ah Jerry…
The market has spoken! Barney Greengrass is still good because it turns a profit…
I get it! A Stephen Colbert-style over-the-top parody account. Keep it up man, that’s some hilarious stuff.
The Historic Restaurant Preservation Plan? Seriously? Please. Last time I checked the US was still a free market society. Now someone is going negotiate what is a fair rent for an Historic Restaurants. I don’t think this is advisable on any level whatsoever
Barney Greengrass survives on the tourist trade. Their food, while no longer unique or spectacular, is wildly overpriced. But the best part? The all cash policy. Based on the chaotic mess at the register, and the cash only policy, I wonder what kind of field day the IRS will have with an audit? Does anyone know if whistleblowers get a % on these kinds of cases? I am being serious.
Worked there as a kid in the 70’s!
They’ve been audited more than once, ut with all the Tax Partners from the AmLaw 100 Law Firms and Partners at the Top 3 Acctg Firms that are its clientle, they beat back the IRS everytime. They learned their lesson after the 3rd one where they had to pay BIG.
Old yes – they also have a very $$ catering service to the right people
Please, please let’s fight for landmark status. We need to preserve our history AND our great eateries.
Isn’t Murray’s right up there? Half the hype and equally – if not better – fish. And counter men.
Jacob’s would do well to stop treating solo female diners like aliens. We tip we’ll and add a civilizing quotient to your clientele. And we return with friends if we like the place.
What about Palm, PJ Clarkes, and Murrays to name a few. And yes these places are Stonehenge worthy.