Wilfrid Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 I am acutely aware that this, for me personally, is anniversary season. I just whooped up 26 years as a New York resident, I have a bunch of other personal anniversaries coming up, and we are on the brink of three years since the city shut down. I have a lot to say about these things. But just to kick it off, I was just reading something about Keller’s godawful Bouchon in Las Vegas, and it made me wonder - how is Balthazar these days, the all-star chef team long, long gone? I used to eat lunch there frequently after taking my daughter to morning programs at the original Poets House a few yards away. I would love to hear about restaurants we knew and liked way before 2020. There are so many I would tentatively like to go back to. I throw it open. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sneakeater Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 Gallagher's -- still great Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilfrid Posted February 25 Author Share Posted February 25 I would last have gone there when I lived in 57th, so more than 20 years ago. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sneakeater Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 For some reason it seems like it wouldn't count, but Hearth is just short of 20 years old. I haven't been since the recent spiff-up. Have you? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilfrid Posted February 25 Author Share Posted February 25 I will have to check in with what’s recent, but that is a place we ate outdoors during the plague years so I don’t feel so distanced from it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joethefoodie Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 13 hours ago, Wilfrid said: it made me wonder - how is Balthazar these days, the all-star chef team long, long gone? I follow Keith's hysterical instagram, and based on his occasional reports of a day's service, they have not slowed down one iota in terms of how many people they feed, But - I haven't been in years. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
small h Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 The first that came to mind is Bar Six, which I've been going to since it opened in 1994. Not nearly as often as when I had a friend on Patchin Place and a boyfriend on W. 12th (now friend lives in Istanbul and boyfriend lives on the LES with me). But at least a few times a year, most recently for drinks on 2/9/2023. It's exactly the same as it's always been, as far as I can tell. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rozrapp Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 How about Union Square Cafe? We ate there twice last year (2022) in their very nice outdoor set-up. The food was delicious and service was, as always, excellent. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
small h Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 My first visit to USC was way back when I was an undergrad and my roommate's parents would take us out when they came to visit. I don't remember what I had, but I'm sure I was very impressed. I've been back a few times since, most recently almost exactly three years ago, for a RW lunch and then happy hour oysters at the bar. And it was very nice, but nothing too special (except for the service, which was, of course, awesome). It probably takes more to impress me now, certain age-er that I am, but the cost/benefit ratio just wasn't there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilfrid Posted February 25 Author Share Posted February 25 I did walk into USC after the lockdown. I happened to be passing by and there were open bar seats. It was fine; not really my kind of menu. I’ve been to Chez Josephine recently too. Unchanged. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Seth Gordon Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 Balthazar… maybe our last visit was an off night. It was not too long after they reopened (still with only “outdoor” seating) and it was pretty bad. I recall shrimp that were measly little things, which looked and tasted like they’d been ordered from a Chinese takeout joint and replated with cocktail sauce. A steak entree was… serviceable. It’s not like we won’t be back eventually though. They’ve earned an occasional dud, and especially during that weird adjustment time it’s look-past-able. As for more recent old place visits: I still enjoy Henry’s End for a big plate of meat and a bottle of Reagan era red. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
voyager Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 Old places make me recall long closed Florent. Any others here who remember it kindly? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joethefoodie Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 Cafe Katja is still good!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joethefoodie Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 I should add that what I really miss at Cafe Katja has nothing to do with the food. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
small h Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 48 minutes ago, voyager said: Old places make me recall long closed Florent. Any others here who remember it kindly? One of my fave places to go late at night. I lived in Chelsea for 7ish years, close enough to walk to Florent. From my last visit, right before it closed in 2008. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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