Jack's Wife Freda

You'll rarely hear a New Yorker speak unkind words about the fruits of Keith McNally's labor. The restaurants tend to be good. The same is apparently true for his former colleagues. Former McNally employees Dean and Maya Jankelowitz have opened a place of their own in Soho, a casual and cozy spot anchored by a communal table and serving three square meals a day. The food is eclectic, with dishes ranging from matzo ball soup and a tuna salad to burgers, whole fish, vegetable curry, and spiced cheesecake for dessert. The beginning of a mini empire? At the very least a quieter alternative to breakfast at Balthazar. 

See more: American contemporary restaurants