By Alexis L. Loinaz
Bar Milano Inspired by a recent trip to Milan, brothers Jason and Joe Denton (
‘ino,
‘inoteca) have now transplanted its distinct flair to Gramercy with this Northern Italian spot, which, Jason tells us, hopes to capture “Milan’s glamour with that casual approach, that texture—marble, wood, brass. It’s sexy and rich and delivered effortlessly.” He laughs, “How they do it, we don’t know yet—we’re working on it.” It’s workin’ out fine, all right: A packed menu—no teeny-tiny options here—mixes up faves like grilled octopus and osso buco with haute additions like fried rabbit with dried apricots and carrots, and monkfish with foie gras, pear and cabbage. In a welcome twist, the place is open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., allowing for all-hours gorging whenever the pangs strike. “I call it ‘moods and foods,’” Denton says. “There’s a time and place for everything.” (
323 Third Ave. at 24th St., 212-683-3035)
Action Burger Muscle up for a side of “KAPOW!” “ZLOTT!” and “WHAMM!” now that this superhero-themed newbie has Cape Crusader-ed its way into Williambsurg with a selection of burgers, dogs and fries. Beef, turkey, and veggie patties can be powered up with toppings like guacamole and bleu cheese, in addition to a special smokey sauce that co-owner Joe Cortes calls—wait for it—his “secret-identity sauce” (he’ll only say that’s it’s got mayo). Hot dogs, sweet potato fries and onion rings round things out. The bright-yellow digs showcase Cortes’ 100-plus action-figure collection (“It was easy,” he says, “I just cleared out my attic and a room in my mother’s apartment”), as well as posters, trading cards and a flat-screen that plays kung fu movies. Soon to come: beer, a backyard garden designed to look like an NYC street, and Xbox 360 online gaming. Cortes also plans to start selling comic books this summer. Because, you know, even superheroes have a mild-mannered day job. (
513 Grand St. between Union and Lorimer Sts., 718-963-3750)
Fig & Olive Betcha never expected to read “ladies who lunch” and “office takeout” in the same sentence, but they’ll be meshing just fine at Fig & Olive’s massive new Midtown outpost, which is pulling for both the Bergdorf and the briefcase sets. F&O’s signature olive-oil-intensive offerings are here, along with a few welcome perks: prepacked “takeaway” items like panini and salads, and a grill and rotisserie—a first for F&O. “The rotisserie—I’m going to be quite blunt—that’s the only way to eat chicken,” quips owner Laurent Halasz, in his charming French accent. “[Midtown workers] now have a healthy and flavorful alternative.” The Mougins-raised restaurateur is also offering new dishes inspired by his mother’s southern French recipes, including a striped bass en papillote with fennel, fresh herbs and—take a wild guess—olive oil. (
10 E. 52nd St. between Madison and Fifth Aves., 212-319-2002)
A Casa Fox You may have thought you’ve barged into someone’s living room, but that’s the plan at this aptly named, Latin-centric LES spot. It’s a natural offshoot for film exec–turned–caterer–turned restaurateur Melissa Fox, whose gourmet catering business, A Casa, has won a fervent following for its crisp empanadas. They’re on full display here—in varieties like portobello with smoked Gouda and chorizo with Manchego—along with clay-pot dinners that combine meat (shredded herbed chicken, mustard-marinated shrimp) with Spanish rice and beans. Munch them down at the communal table, or sink into a sea of pillows in the corner—the “casa” in the name is there for a reason. (
173 Orchard St. at Stanton St., 212-253-1900)
Also open:Comeback kid Alain Ducasse keeps the momentum going with
Bistro Benoit, opening at the old La Côte Basque space on April 21. (
60 W. 55th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves., 646-943-7373)
A former Ducasse chef is at the helm of
Brasserie Cognac, just a few blocks down from—whaddaya know—Ducasse’s new bistro. (
1740 Broadway at 55th St., 212-757-3600)
Eighth Street’s longtime shoe monopoly may be buckling with addition of yet another new eatery: East-meets-West
Cho Cho San. (
15 W. Eighth St. at between MacDougal and Fifth Ave., 212-473-3333)
Cheese and charcuterie complement a range of organic wines at
Ten Bells on the Lower East Side. (
247 Broome St. between Ludlow and Orchard Sts., 212-228-4450)
Recently closed:BarFry (
West Village)
Cantina (
East Village)
Blue Pig Ice Cream (
Midtown East)
Jamaican Flavors (
Village)
Photo: Mea Tefka
