233 replies to this topic

[Orik]

How much is the reputation of Nomad worth?

As it's been around for quite a few years, you'd think the owner might value it.

I think he'll make more off confused tourists. Of course the NoMad can always change its name to The Imperial Dining Hall and Library at The Most Excellent NoMad Hotel.

[Wilfrid]

I am thoroughly cowed after being told on Eater that, duh, there was a capital "M" in NoMad.

I suggested my interlocutor try opening a restaurant called La Cirque.

[aek]

No idea what the law is like for these restaurant name suits, but there's a link on Eater about Boulud suing someone for trademark infringement of DBGB. If Nomad East Village didn't trademark their name (seems highly likely), then can they actually do anything to stop The NoMad?

[Orik]

There was a recent article about Tokyo (by Steingarten?) in which he tells the story of how, having failed to book Umi Sushi (which doesn't take reservations from foreigners), the hotel concierge booked the wrong Umi Sushi for them. This reminded me of how I almost sent someone to the wrong Miyakozushi, having quickly looked up the phone number, not realizing there are at least five of them in Tokyo.

[Wilfrid]

I'm only going on precedent. Forge was changed to Marc Forgione because Forge, Miami sued; Graffit was changed to Gastroarte because Graffit sued. As far as I know, these were out of court agreements rather than rulings.

[changeup]

Ironically, even "Nomado 33" shows up before "The NoMad" on Opentable when you simply type in Nomad. It's right behind... Nomad.

[Sneakeater]

Here's a thought I had about The NoMad (the one on Broadway, not the one on Second Ave.).

I'm eager to return there on a date (in fact, I've already made plans to).

But I can't imagine dropping in there to grab some food at the bar by myself. Not just because the bar area seems so uncomfortable. And not because of the expense -- I have no problem dropping into the bars or lounges at per se, Le B, Marea, etc. alone.

It's because this food, good as it is, just doesn't seem interesting enough to eat by yourself. It's mainly good as a kind of food to share with people who otherwise complain about the weird places you take them to.

[Anthony Bonner]

It's because this food, good as it is, just doesn't seem interesting enough to eat by yourself. It's mainly good as a kind of food to share with people who otherwise complain about the weird places you take them to.

That's a pretty remarkable criticism.

[Sneakeater]

It's not a criticism.

[changeup]

As long as it's better at it than say Veritas, and not in a different price category, then it's definitely not a criticism.

[Sneakeater]

Thanks. That's my point. It's like that -- but REALLY good.

[Wilfrid]

It does look expensive. $65 for three (roughly median) courses before tax, tip or the merest sip of wine.

[Sneakeater]

That decor cost them a lot of money. You want this cheaper, they'd have to do it Mon.-Wed. in an art gallery.

[oakapple]

I'm only going on precedent. Forge was changed to Marc Forgione because Forge, Miami sued; Graffit was changed to Gastroarte because Graffit sued. As far as I know, these were out of court agreements rather than rulings.

That type of lawsuit is just not worth defending. Neither Forge nor Graffit really needed their original names to survive. Marc Forgione is clearly a hit now, and if Graffit isn't, it's not because of the name.

[Orik]

I'm only going on precedent. Forge was changed to Marc Forgione because Forge, Miami sued; Graffit was changed to Gastroarte because Graffit sued. As far as I know, these were out of court agreements rather than rulings.

That type of lawsuit is just not worth defending. Neither Forge nor Graffit really needed their original names to survive. Marc Forgione is clearly a hit now, and if Graffit isn't, it's not because of the name.

Well, of course it's worth defending if there's a damages claim.

But I'd be surprised if the existing Nomad has ever made a profit or can show how it plans to do so.