605 replies to this topic

[robert40]

Can't seem to find a existing thread.

Other then the great sandwiches I've been hearing about has anyone tried dinner?

[Sneakeater]

I've tried dinner. But I've never succeeded.

They don't take reservations. They have very few tables. If you can't get there early, your chances of being able to eat are minimal.

[robert40]

I'll admit their pre-opening video captured my attention "soul". I'm so gullible at times.

Tossing upcoming birthday dinner idea's around in my head lately. But then my initial ideas are nothing remotely similar. Everything from seeing what Gavin Kaysen is doing now to extremely casual like Torrisi. Need to decide soon otherwise it will be backyard grilling.

[Sneakeater]

Don't get me wrong, it looks great.

Just not doable.

[rozrapp]

I'll admit their pre-opening video captured my attention "soul". I'm so gullible at times.

Tossing upcoming birthday dinner idea's around in my head lately. But then my initial ideas are nothing remotely similar. Everything from seeing what Gavin Kaysen is doing now to extremely casual like Torrisi. Need to decide soon otherwise it will be backyard grilling.

Gavin Kaysen is doing absolutely amazing things at Cafe Boulud!

[oakapple]

I've tried dinner. But I've never succeeded.

They don't take reservations. They have very few tables. If you can't get there early, your chances of being able to eat are minimal.

I dined there last night. The best way is to arrive at around 5:30 for the first seating at 6:00. There were already about a dozen people in line by then, and as the place seats twenty, there is not much margin for error. By the time I left, at around 7:30, they were quoting seatings at 10:15.

The toughest review to write is of the restaurant that's good—yet, not as good as it's cracked up to be. You don't want to make the place sound bad, because it's not; indeed, far from it. On the other hand, you've got to convey that, in the absolute sense, there is nothing terribly special about most of the food, except that you're getting eight courses for fifty bucks.

Nobody in town is serving that much good food at that price, but it's nothing worth waiting hours for. You'll have a better meal at nearby Peasant or Locanda Verde. You'll spend more, but I suppose two hours of drinking at a nearby bar, while you wait for your table, is part of the price of dinner at Torrisi.

It's also worth noting that these chefs drastically limit their degree of difficulty by permitting just one choice—fish or meat as your entrée (and there is just one of each). Everything else is locked in, with no substitutions or alternatives permitted. Peasant and Locanda Verde are not only more accomplished kitchens, but they offer much wider selections.

I'd love to go back and try some of the other entrées at Torrisi (the menu is posted on the web every morning), but the only way is to go back and have the whole fifty-dollar menu all over again.

I'll have photos and more comments on the food when I get the blog post written.

[Wilfrid]

I can only think of Degustation and Knife + Fork for comparably priced multi-course meals. It sounds like a bit of old-fashioned Chowhoundery in play here: it's small, it's hard to get into, therefore...

[Sneakeater]

And the $50 is only after it started getting reviewed.

It started out at $35 . . . .

As for Chowhoundry, of course that's at play, but I'll repeat what I've said elsewhere: if at any time during any of our experiences as diners, a place starting serving credible three-course dinners for $35 (or the price equivalent at other times), of course it would develop a reputation and get mobbed.

[taion]

And the $50 is only after it started getting reviewed.

It started out at $35 . . . .

As for Chowhoundry, of course that's at play, but I'll repeat what I've said elsewhere: if at any time during any of our experiences as diners, a place starting serving credible three-course dinners for $35 (or the price equivalent at other times), of course it would develop a reputation and get mobbed.

Restaurant week, but snobbier?

[Sneakeater]

Contrary to what you might have heard, people don't affirmatively enjoy tossing money around.

[taion]

Contrary to what you might have heard, people don't affirmatively enjoy tossing money around.

I mean in the sense that restaurant week is somewhat looked down upon, but a hypothetical year-round $35 three-course dinner would be welcomed?

[robert40]

I thought it was $45 and raised to $50 after the NY Mag review. Not sure though.
http://www.foodandwi...ian-Specialties
http://dinersjournal...an-specialties/

[Wilfrid]

It's not just the price, though, is it? As pointed out elsewhere, SHO serves a three course lunch for $30 with a full choice of dishes for each course. Its $69 dinner price is only a moderate step up from Torrisi's no choice menu. It has a lot to do, surely, with the style and attitude of the place.

I think Oakapple makes a telling point: if the same food was served at a conventionally appointed Italian restaurant like Locanda Verde, would it get the same attention?

[robert40]

It's not just the price, though, is it? As pointed out elsewhere, SHO serves a three course lunch for $30 with a full choice of dishes for each course. Its $69 dinner price is only a moderate step up from Torrisi's no choice menu. It has a lot to do, surely, with the style and attitude of the place.

I think Oakapple makes a telling point: if the same food was served at a conventionally appointed Italian restaurant like Locanda Verde, would it get the same attention?

Could this be the Italian version of this is what were cooking, take it or leave it. Seems that approach is getting very popular lately and for a few its proving very successful.
And not only in NY or mid-level restaurants. Saison in SF, Komi in DC, Schwa in Chicago etc etc.

[Anthony Bonner]

I think Oakapple makes a telling point: if the same food was served at a conventionally appointed Italian restaurant like Locanda Verde, would it get the same attention?

I am surprised that you think this is a question even worth debating.