Tagged: Serge Becker

The Library at The Public Theater


In all honesty, our visit to The Library was completely spur of the moment. Once we heard the restaurant overseen by Andrew Carmellini, Luke Ostrom, Paul Salmon, Kevin Abbott, Serge Becker, and Josh Pickard was opening yesterday evening we just had to check it out. We didn’t know what to expect in terms of the food but we did know that the decor was something of an old school cocktail lounge. When we walked into the Public Theater it took us a bit to find the entrance of The Library. At first the security kept directing us to Joe’s Pub but it seemed once they remembered that The Library opened that day we were told to go through a small passageway and up the stairs located on the theater lobby’s left side. The restaurant itself is quite charming with dark woods, leather banquettes and light jazz music. The scene is almost Waverly Inn-esque though we do find Mr. Carter’s restaurant a bit more romantic than The Library. However, just because Serge Becker’s name is on this establishment don’t expect it to be the sceniest of places. We’re going to say that The Library will appeal most to those seeing a show at The Public Theater but we’ll see overtime if our theory holds true.

The menu consists of American comfort food and is organized through including starters, sandwiches, sharable plates and entrees. To start we had the Chicken Fried Chicken Wings, finished with the Short Rib Goulash and ordered the Popcorn Pizza for the table. We were interested in trying the Curry Chicken with Coconut Rice as that was the only international dish on the menu however it seems as the Chicken didn’t make the cut to the final menu and was replaced with the more traditional dish: Lamb Chops. The Chicken Fried Chicken Wings were actually quite good despite the confusing and rather unappealing name. The wings were generously portioned and the batter was thick and crispy and if not a bit salty. However, the Buttermilk Dressing was able to offset some of the salty notes of the chicken wings. The Popcorn Pizza was actually atrocious. Do you remember Pizza flavored Pringles? Now imagine that but on popcorn topped off with shredded Parmesan cheese and you have The Library’s Popcorn Pizza. Though it is inexpensive at $5 for a large bowl, we recommend skipping this despite how “interesting” this may sound. On a more positive note, the Short Rib Goulash was fantastic. Again, the name may not seem appetizing but this southern influenced dish is one of the best short rib dishes we have ever had. The meat was cooked perfectly, we sometimes find short rib to be dry despite it being “slow cooked”, and the sauce was actually very light and we enjoyed the potatoes that came on the side.

The serious downfall of The Library was the service. We understand we went on opening night and that means all of the kinks and quirks may not have been fixed but somethings we saw were just absurd. The only one who seemed to have it together was our server, Tiffany, who had to manage being both the bartender and waitress while also instructing the busboys what to do. While that may seem like the manager’s job, it seemed they were too busy huddling over the hostess stand rather than helping the staff get out entrees and appetizer on time. To be honest, there really is not need for five people to be checking people in when patrons were waiting over 30 minutes for appetizers to come out. The Library should also train their busboys better so we don’t receive appetizers at the same time as our entrees but again, our server tried to rectify this as best she could by ordering another Short Rib that would be served fresh after we finished our first course.

Overall, we would recommend The Library if you are in the area. We wouldn’t exactly go out of our way to come back here but if you happen to find yourself in the East Village and need a decent restaurant with comfort food then by all means check The Library out. The decor is charming, despite the awkward entrance, and the food is good but not good enough to make us come out of our way to come back here. Hopefully if we do find ourselves at The Library again we will see more of the managers helping the kitchen get the food out in a timely fashion rather than doing nothing at the front of the restaurant.

The Library at The Public

Ambiance: 7

Food: 7

Service: 4

Overall: 6

Verdict: Mirage

425 Lafayette St.
New York, NY 10003

212-539-8777

The Library at the Public Theater on Urbanspoon

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Top Places For Someone’s First Night Out In NY

We actually ran into this problem not too long ago. It was our friend’s first time in New York and we had to give some recommendations as to where to go. We really wanted something that was unique to New York but not something that had a really tough door policy (we’re talking Provocateur status) that they would be discouraged to try anywhere else. At first we were a bit stumped since we wanted to “wow” our friends on their first night out without having them think New York is some pretentious place where you have to buy your “coolness” to get in. But after some thinking we thought of a few places that would be perfect for someone’s first night out on the town. [Photo via]

 

 

#1. Le Bain: As far as nightspots go, Le Bain is perfect for anyone who isn’t from America. Though on Tuesdays the crowd can be a little bit out there for some, on other nights the crowd is very international and you get to meet a very diverse group of people. Also, the hot tub in the middle of the club is something that you really don’t get at most places and the rooftop lounge has stunning views of the Hudson River and the rest of the city. We’d recommend Le Bain over its neighbor The Boom Boom Room since Le Bain’s door policy is much more relaxed than their pretentious neighbor (though we must say, as pretentious as it is, they do make some of the best cocktails in the city). Oh and you can’t leave without seeing the bathrooms. [Photo via]

 

 

#2: La Esquina: We know La Esquina is a restaurant but it’s also a great place to grab drinks after dinner. The atmosphere is unparallelled and the food is shockingly good. as well You can make reservations by calling 646.613.7100 and we haven’t had too much trouble snagging a table during the weekday at 8 PM or 9 PM. Through the door marked employees only and through the kitchen lies a restaurant that looks more like a chic Mexican dungeon. Grab a cocktail with Tequilla since that’s their specialty and make sure to order the Rotisserie Chicken with the Green Beans…and you might want to order a second side of green beans as well…because they’re just that good. [Photo via]

 

 

#3. Lavo: Let’s all be honest, there aren’t many big clubs in New York City and even fewer actually provide a good time. Strategic Group‘s Midtown Las Vegas import, Lavo, is one of those few big clubs that draws in a good crowd. The DJs that play at Lavo are some of the best in the city and the service provided at Lavo is outstanding as well. There usually is a cover charge and what ever you do, don’t leave your ID at home. Lavo is the closest thing New York has to a big and grand club and we’ve always had a great time whenever we come here. [Photo via]

 

 

#4. Not Your Standard Bingo: This really is one of the most, if not the, most unique party in New York City. Make reservations about a week to two weeks in advance for Sunday night bingo at The Standard Grill. This party is actually quite inexpensive and provides a great time that you really won’t experience anywhere else in New York. To participate in bingo, cards are provided for free and the only thing you pay for is alcohol (we recommend the punch bowls for $55 that can serve about 6-8 people). After bingo ends, the restaurant turns into a full on dance party so it’s almost like you’re getting to parties in one. You can make reservations by calling The Standard Grill at 212.645.4100. [Photo via]

 

 

#5. PDT: We know everyone and their mother knows about PDT (Please Don’t Tell) but you have to admit this is a pretty damn cool speakeasy. You enter through the hot dog shop called Criff Dogs and look for a phone book. You enter the booth, pick up the phone, dial 1 and wait for someone to open the other side of the phone booth. Once you’re inside you’ll get to sample some great cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. PDT accepts reservations but only for the same day which you can make by calling 212.614.0386. [Photo via]

Miss Lily’s

Miss Lily's on Urbanspoon

 

UPDATE (7-16-12): I couldn’t righteously post my original review of Miss Lily’s without posting this update. I have been to Miss Lily’s at least five more times since my first time and it has been better and better each time. The atmosphere during dinner service is very much Carribean chic meaning, while Vybz Kartel is playing through the speakers there will be business men in suits and models eating curry goat right next to you. But what really stuns me about Miss Lily’s is the food. The Oxtail is very moist and flavorful and I have yet to find better Jerk Chicken in an upscale part of Manhattan yet. Of course, there are other restaurants in Brooklyn and the Bronx that serve the same caliber of food as Miss Lily’s at half the price but what you are paying for at Miss Lily’s is the gorgeous wait staff as well as the decor. Miss Lily’s also has opened another outpost right next door called Melvin’s Juice Bar. Here you can get some of the food offered in the restaurant, such as the Curry Goat, Oxtail and Jerk Chicken at a lower price. Think of it as “Miss Lily’s To-Go”…but also with a juice bar that can whip up any juice you desire right in front of you or pour you coconut water straight out of the coconut itself. To be honest Miss Lily’s, to me, is one of my favorite restaurants in the city not because the food is the best in the city, I really can not compare Daniel or even JoJo to Miss Lily’s, but the idea of creating an upscale Jamaican restaurant for socialites and regulars a like is simply such a unique idea. And the execution of this idea is done perfectly at Miss Lily’s.


Today I visited the second restaurant on my list of restaurants I needed to visit when I got back to New York, Miss Lily’s. Miss Lilly’s is the new Jamaican restaurant opened by Serge Becker of La Esquina, Cafe Select and The Box. This restaurant seems to be slightly less clubby than La Esquina as I haven’t heard anything about a secret back room of any sorts but I can’t confirm that its not actually there. The front of Miss Lily’s looks like a Jamaican pizza shop crossed with a diner (the orange seats are the same that you’ll find in any New York pizzeria and the bar stools closely resemble any diner you’ll go to outside of Manhattan). The backroom however is much more interesting and has posters of speakers, magazines and record covers on the walls and speakers with Caribbean flags on them. The open kitchen is a homey touch as well as the kind and personal waitstaff.

The menu is strictly Caribbean (specifically Jamacian) dishes so don’t go expecting you’ll be able to order something that’s not even remotely associated to that region. To start I had the Jerk Chicken Wings and I had the Ackee and Saltfish with Callaloo and Festivals as an entree. The Jerk Chicken Wings, though were almost intolerably spicy, were very good. The chicken wings used were fresh and the jerk seasoning was flavorful (but like I said incredibly spicy). My waitress actually gave me extra jerk sauce in case I wanted it spicier…no thanks. Also the red basket they were served in was a nice touch. The portions at Miss Lily’s are pretty generous which is why I wasn’t able to finish the Ackee and Saltfish. Ackee and Saltfish is kind of one of those dishes that you either love or hate and sadly I’m not a fan of it. This was my first time trying the dish so perhaps it was the fact that I just don’t like the dish in general (in other words that it wasn’t that the fault of Miss Lily’s per se) but to me the dish was bland. The fish was moist but it didn’t really taste like much. I did enjoy the callaloo however and the festivals were basically a Jamaican version of fried dough.

Overall I liked my visit to Miss Lily’s. The Jerk Chicken Wings were excellent though maybe next time I’d order something different instead of the Ackee and Saltfish (perhaps the Oxtail Stew). Its a great place to go for lunch in Soho and I could see it becoming a hot spot in the near future!

Ambiance: 8

Food: 8

Service: 8

Overall: 8

Verdict: Oasis

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La Esquina

La Esquina on Urbanspoon
La Esquina is hands down one of the most exclusive restaurants in New York. Which is why they have three sections: the Taqueria, the Brasserie and the Cafe. After being turned town as a walk in at the Brasserie (at 6 PM no less), I headed over to the Cafe. The cafe is a smaller option to the Brasserie and a sit down option to the Taqueria. Unfortunetly the Brasserie and the Cafe do not share the same menu nor do they share the same kitchen (yes there will be an update when I go to the Brasserie). The Cafe is by walk ins only and can be difficult to get a table since it is so small. The menu isn’t too big but contains enough to keep one interested. Of course you have your tacos, enchaladas and quesadillas. The Spanish fare served up here kind of has an American twist on things. The Carne Enchilada contains sliced pineapple and the guacamole served with each entree isn’t exactly guacamole but rather a watered town avocado based spicy sauce (La Esquina calls it “Salsa Verde), but it tastes good none the less! Patrons expecting Tex-Mex will be disappointed as you won’t find chicken quesadillas here but rather Quesadilla De Huitlacoche. The tacos are pretty good if not original and “unexpected”. The Carne Enchilada contained pork which was seasoned well, pineapple slices, and salsa verde. Portions seem small but are challenging to finish once the half way point of your meal is reached. The menu isn’t expensive, two tacos are $10 and most main courses are $14-$18. Of course you go to La Esquina for the Brasserie (or the Spanish Dungeon Taco Stand as I like to call it), but for lunch or simply when you can’t get in to the Brasserie, the Cafe at La Esquina is a good option!

Ambiance: 6

Food: 7

Service: 7

Overall: 7

Verdict: Oasis

[Photo via]

Brasserie: Last nigh I returned to that exclusive, oh-so secretive Mexican dungeon brasserie La Esquina owned by Serge Becker. After falling victim to La Esquina’s door policy once before as a walk in, I had greater success this time with a party of 2 on a Sunday at 6 PM. Behind the door labeled “No Admittance, Employees Only”, down the stairs and through the kitchen lies a swank yet casual brasserie/speak-easy with religious mosaics and brass prison like bars. The atmosphere on that Sunday was very low-key, mostly families and friends were there but on Thursdays-Saturdays I can see La Esquina almost doubling as a nightclub especially since it has its own DJ stand and turntables. The service is very nice and down to earth and so is the Mexican fare it serves. The cooking is a modern twist on traditional Mexican food ranging from taquitos to rotisserie chickens. The Tinga de Pollo tostados were very flavorful if not a bit spicy. The La Esquina Mole Negro (half a chicken with rice and sauteed beans) was generously portioned and very tasty. The mole sauce went well with everything from the chicken to the rice and the sauteed green beans were excellent. La Esquina works well both as a lounge, bar and restaurant which is something quite rare in Manhattan (STK is a prime example that works perfectly as a lounge but not as a restaurant). The food is great and not expensive at all, though getting in will be a big problem for most patrons as getting reservations are almost as difficult as getting a reservation to the Minetta Tavern!

Ambiance: 9

Food: 7

Service: 7

Overall: 8

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