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Gus & Gabriel
Michael Psilakis has always hit the jackpot by drawing on the cuisine and culture of his Long Island Greek family at spots like Anthos and Mia Dona. Now, his is family is literally the inspiration behind his latest, Gus & Gabriel: This American pub, which slips into the old Kefi space, is named after his father (Gus) and son (Gabriel). The whole parent-kid theme is apt—G&G serves up homey comfort food that appeals to everyone's inner child. Name it, it's here: housemade hot dogs and corned beef, chili that's jammed with aged ground beef, short rib and brisket, and a BLT grilled cheese stuffed with smoked bacon and slicked with roasted-garlic-and-parmesan butter. Yum, yum and yum! And strawberry-cheesecake milkshakes! In case you need to remind yourself that you are, indeed, an adult, a deep selection of bourbons, rums and tequilas should scratch that alcoholic itch. (222 W. 79th St. between Amsterdam and Columbus Aves., 212-362-7470)
Aqualis Grill
Twice a week, Gorian Papa wakes up at midnight, hops into his refrigerated Ford van and zips to the Fulton Fish Market in Hunt's Point to hand-pick the day's best red snapper, porgy and sea bass. They're super-fresh, all right, and they're on full display at Aqualis Grill, his Mediterranean-inspired seafood restaurant in Fort Greene. "Freshness" and "simplicity" are two words that come up a lot when chatting with Papa, evident in a menu of austere dishes not cluttered with too many ingredients: octopus with olive oil and red wine, salmon crudo with ouzo, swordfish kebab, and, of course, whole grilled fish. Chef John Tsakinis, who migrated over from Kellari Taverna, oversees the kitchen—no surprise, then, that strong Greek touches (yogurt, feta dressing, Manouri cheese) dot the menu. (773 Fulton St. between S. Portland Ave. and S. Oxford St., 718-797-3494)
Lot 2
First up, the name: Ben Jones and Katie Dyer couldn't figure out what to call their new Park Slope restaurant, so they settled on what an official NYC real-estate map called their location—Tax Lot 2. Done. Now, an audit of the goods: seasonal American bites with a hearty, Italian influence. Credit chef Scott Bridi, who comes from an Italian family from Bensonhurst and who recently headed up Gramercy Tavern's charcuterie program. Shock, shock—housemade sausages pop up here, i.e. lamb sausage with broccoli rabe, chicken breast with chicken sausage. Other signature dishes include "Neck Three Ways"—coppa-style pork, cured lamb and duck rillettes—as well as "Lipstick on a Pig" head cheese with pickled mushroom salad. Jones and Dyer also bring a strong locavore focus, sourcing their produce from Satur Farms on Long Island, lamb from Pennsylvania's Elysian Fields, and meat from Hell's Kitchen institution Piccinini Brothers. (687 Sixth Ave. between 19th and 20th Sts., 718-499-5623)
Also open:
Former Monkey Bar toque Chris Cheung resurfaces at Vue Restaurant, located in Park Slope's Hotel del Bleu and churning out New American plates. Vue opens on Saturday, July 4. (370 Fourth Ave. between Fourth and Fifth Sts., 718-625-2177)
Aussie mainstay Tuck Shop has opened a new (and bigger!) location on St. Marks Place, eight blocks to the north of its flagship, offering the same drool-worthy pies plus daily specials, like tiger prawn pies. (115 St. Marks Place between First Ave. and Ave. A, 212-979-5200)
Meals, deals, specials:
Daniel: We're so booking our a table for this one: To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Daniel Boulud's four-star mothership will be offering early-birders a three-course prix for $98 per person—with wine pairings!—from 5:30–6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, all summer long. (60 E. 65th St. between Park and Madison Aves., 212-288-0033)
Fourth of July: Too lazy to fire up the grill? Let the pros cook for ya! Fourth of July specials are being offered at Virgil's, L'Artusi, Klee Brasserie, Bond St., Campo and Cabrito.
Photo by Sam Horine
