Cecchi's

[MitchW]

Checchi's is the newish restaurant, opened in the space which at one time (or twice) was occupied by Cafe Loup.  I never got to Cafe Loup, as I wasn't a local during its heyday, and during it's non-heyday, did anyone go?  Opened by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, a lifelong maitre d'hotel here in NYC (and now an author as well), who some of us (ok, me) may remember from early Le Coucou days, it's a quite nice room.

The service, as it should be in a place opened by a well-known maitre d', was great. As walk-ins, we got ourselves the last two available seats at the bar, just where we like to be.  And we started off with two very well-made cocktails:

A perfect Manhattan (hoping for autumn) and a Plymouth Martini (not wanting summer to end).  These were both jiggered, properly stirred, served in iced glasses, etc. Drinks we saw being made with vodka (e.g.vodka "Martinis" and vodka "espresso Martinis") were free-poured, because it really doesn't matter with those.  They evidently do the New York Special during happy hour on weekdays - a Martini and fries for $25, which isn't a bad deal, if they'll make a real Martini.

The not-a-wedge salad is fabulous, and it's not really a wedge; loaded with bacon and blue cheese, it's a darn good salad, chopped up as it may be.

Significant Eater had her favorite:

A really excellent burger, cooked to her medium spec, great fries, good cole slaw and pickle. We're into $34 territory here for that plate (a few bucks more than Balthazar's similar plate), which ain't all that bad.           

My order:

Chicken a la king, with a nicely made puff pastry "lid." Not a bad rendition, though as often happens with chicken pot pie, the chicken gets a little dry for my liking.  

Some nice by-the-glass wines accompanied the mains, no desserts were ordered (we had ice cream waiting for us at home).  

Enjoyable.

 

Edited September 4, 2023 by MitchW

[small h]

3 hours ago, MitchW said:

 a Martini and fries for $25

aka Girl Dinner

[AaronS]

no offense but being happy with a $34 burger and fries is crazy to me.

[MitchW]

2 hours ago, AaronS said:

no offense but being happy with a $34 burger and fries is crazy to me.

I'm less happy with $20 cocktails.

[hollywood10]

As cocktails rise above $16, the happy drains from happy hour.

[Diancecht]

3 hours ago, AaronS said:

no offense but being happy with a $34 burger and fries is crazy to me.

that was the price charged at our hotel

 

[MitchW]

3 hours ago, hollywood10 said:

As cocktails rise above $16, the happy drains from happy hour.

Oh, that ship sailed.

[MitchW]

3 hours ago, Diancecht said:

that was the price charged at our hotel

To say nothing of the $24 grilled cheese.

[hollywood10]

For $24 it had better be a panini with special ingredients.

[Wilfrid]

My server at Cecchi’s tonight actually remembered me from when she worked at Cafe Loup. The guy at the end of the bar nursing a martini. I never ate at Cafe Loup but it was often a convenient place for a cocktail, like before or after a movie at the Quad. 

[Sneakeater]

Contrary to Helen Rosner, I have to say I thought the service at Cecchi's was phenomenal.  Just right on point.

I really liked the place, actually.

(With a menu that limited, can't see going there a lot, though -- even though that's clearly what they're aiming at.)

Edited January 15, 2024 by Sneakeater

[MitchW]

7 hours ago, Sneakeater said:

(With a menu that limited, can't see going there a lot, though -- even that's clearly what they're aiming at.)

Right.  While people choose restaurants for any number of different reasons, there are some who choose a place for its familiarity.

If they make a really great burger and fries, for example, maybe it becomes a weekly place for some.  If they make a really great Martini, well we know where to find @Wilfrid before he heads to a movie at the Quad.

[Wilfrid]

Service was outstanding. One criterion is that my wine orders by the glass appeared as the relevant food arrived; no hanging around.

Generally, it meets its proffer. It's an attractive (although dimly lit) space with a this-is-where-it's-happening feel about it. Attractive people, happy to be there. It was buzzing on a Sunday night, which my server said was unusual. Holiday weekend, presumably.

The menu, yes limited, and the food solid rather than ambitious. And I think that's exactly right for this crowd. They are not in search of kangaroo.

Beet salad, with nice candied walnuts, followed by slabs of medium-rare calves liver, fried onions, slab bacon and mashed potatoes. Nicely done.

No dessert, but champagne, a couple of BTG wines, a Calvados and coffee, $160 before tip. Which these days is about right.

[Wilfrid]

[MitchW]

Went back last night (this time with a reservation).  It's a big week  month  year for us.  

And they haven't raised the price on the burger - yet!

My big pork chop was also nicely cooked, with 2 sides.

COMP DISCLOSURE:  2 glasses of wine, dessert.