Locanda Verde
Since Robert De Niro's first Greenwich Hotel eatery, Ago, received critical pans, he brought in the big guns with this reboot. Chef Andrew Carmellini (A Voce) has designed family-style dishes such as those found in "La Grande Abbuffata" ("The Great Pig Out"), a feast of antipasti, pastas—like gigantoni with shrimp meatballs—and a main, such as lamb shoulder with wild fennel. The rustic-industrial space has been made cozier with the help of Ken Friedman (the Spotted Pig); and desserts come from Karen Demasco (Craft), who will also bake for the soon-to-open café. Beer fans: Note the Italian craft brews. 377 Greenwich St at North Moore St (212-925-3797)
Aamchi Pao
From banh mi to num pang, New York is mad about Asian sandwiches. Now you can add pao bhaji, a Mumbai street food of meat- and veggie-stuffed buns, to the list. The snacks will headline at this 12-seat shop from owners Surbhi Sahni (Dévi) and Nandini Mukherjee (Indian Bread Co). Also on offer: chutneys, lassis and desserts from Dévi. 194 Bleecker St between Sixth Ave and MacDougal St (212-228-1909)
The Brooklyn Star
Joaquin Baca (Momofuku) may have built most of this American restaurant, but its centerpiece—a wood-fired oven—has been there for 110 years. It'll be put to good use for dishes like pork ribs with Dr Pepper sauce and roasted trout. 33 Havemeyer St between North 7th and 8th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-599-9899)
Japan Premium Beef
Japanese Wagyu beef has been available at restaurants for some time, but now you can take these highly marbled steaks home. Eiichi Yamamoto, a Japanese butcher with 15 years of experience, fronts the first retail location of this Oregon breeder. Look for cuts like rib-eye, ground beef for burgers and more. 57 Great Jones St between Bowery and Lafayette St (212-260-2333)
Compiled by Daniel Gritzer
Press Release : New fine Italian restaurant at the famed Charlotte Inn by acclaimed Chef AJ Black opens this June 2009 on Martha’s Vineyard. “IL TESORO at the TERRACE” Fine Italian Cuisine 27 South Summer Street The Charlotte Inn, Martha’s Vineyard Edgartown, MA 02539 Telephone: (508) 939-3440 Website: www.iltesoro.net Email: iltesoro@me.com Chef AJ Black call for more information ,(239)810-3955 About Us: Il Tesoro at the Terrace Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern touch. This elegant, sophisticated upscale restaurant, located in the Relais&Chateaux property of The Charlotte Inn in the heart of Edgartown, 27 South Summer Street. The front desk telephone number is (508)627-4151, or contact Chef AJ Black at (239)810-3955. Owner/ Chef AJ Black infuses flavorful Italian herbs and spices, quality truffle oils and Barolo wines into homemade pasta and entrée dishes of fresh seafood, whole fishes, aged beef, veal and lamb, free-range poultry and risottos.His passion is to prepare uniquely rustic and classically refined dishes like Filetto al Pepe Verde, Duck Fantasia, with Fresh Lobster and Fish specials prepared daily. Daily specials will focus on pairing authentic Italian meals with a bold array of wines from Angelo Gaja and Bruno Jacosa vineyards, along with many boutique vineries in Italy. The ambiance of Il Tesoro at the Terrace is as inspiringly sophisticated and comforting as the food. The dining room and terrace are like stepping into the past, the most beautiful property on Martha’s Vineyard, The Charlotte Inn. Il Tesoro at the Terrace, (“the treasure at the terrace”), is a life-long dream of Chef A.J. He grew up in the restaurant business in Rome, trained at the Italian Culinary Institute, and is a Wine Master. He owned “Café Roma” on Via San Giovanni in the Laterano District was “Second Chef” at the five star “Grand Hotel” in Rome. After Chef A.J. relocated to the United States, he consulted for several restaurants in NYC and Las Vegas, and owned/ operated three 4-Star restaurants in South Florida including Il Tesoro Ristorante on Sanibel Island Florida. He also prepared meals for illustrious celebrities like Madonna and the Italian film director Fillini.