Week of November 12-18

Maialino’s fritto misto

Photograph: Michael Axelander

Maialino
Danny Meyer’s love of Italy has always been evident in the food at his New American restaurants, Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. Now he goes all the way with this Roman-style trattoria in the Gramercy Park Hotel, opening first for dinner only. A front room, dubbed Bar Maialino, will offer a casual setting for coffee and pastry in the morning (Meyer’s first foray into breakfast) and Italian wines and craft beers later in the day. In the back—past areas displaying baked goods and cured meats—is the dining room, where chef Nick Anderer will offer classics such as fritto misto and Rome’s offalcentric quinto quarto cooking. Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave at 21st St (no phone yet)

Café Mei Mei
Chef Robert Ribant (River Café) opens a seasonal American restaurant. A core menu will include house-made ravioli, raw oysters and clams, and a selection of sashimi. Market-driven specials will feature a 28-day dry-aged prime steak, foie gras and other delicacies. Wines and beers are planned, but until the license clears, expect free pours on the Friday and Saturday. 231 Court St between Baltic and Warren Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-852-8571)

Cascabel Taqueria
Chef-partner Todd Mitgang was forced to shutter his Crave Ceviche Bar after a crane collapse destroyed the space. He’s moved on to open this 30-seat Mexican restaurant lined with colorful lucha libre wrestler masks. The specialty is tacos, which come with fillings like house-made chorizo, yellowfin tuna belly and hanger steak. Other dishes include gorditas (thick tortillas) stuffed with pork. 1542 Second Ave between 80th and 81st Sts (212-717-7800)

Le P’tit Paris
A French bistro from chef-owner Olivier Jouannard comes to Windsor Terrace. Look for dishes such as steak tartare and coq au vin, plus a well priced wine list. 256 Prospect Park West at Prospect Ave, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn (718-369-3590)

The Mermaid Oyster Bar
Restaurateurs Danny Abrams and Cindy Smith bring a New England–style fish shack to the West Village with this Mermaid Inn spin-off. Expect lobster rolls and raw-bar selections, as well as whole roasted fish and downscale dishes like tacos, fried calamari and clam strips. 79 MacDougal St between Bleecker and W Houston Sts (212-260-0100)

Northern Spy Food Co.
San Francisco chefs Christophe Hille (A16) and Nathan Foot (Myth) will introduce New Yorkers to their seasonal, market-driven cooking at this restaurant and retail store. Expect reasonably priced American dishes—with an emphasis on takeout and delivery—and locally sourced foods for sale in the store. 511 E 12th St between Aves A and B (212-228-5100)

Compiled by Daniel Gritzer

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