Food & Drink

Rats Dine on the U.E.S.

Upper East Side The ongoing construction of the Second Avenue Subway project has created a serious health concern among Upper East Side residents. The New York Post reported a study by a Harvard graduate showing that 77 out of 154 restaurants located in the 10128 Zip code had citations for rodent infestation.

Higher percentages occurred uptown, compared to most neighborhoods below 14th street didn't go over 30%. Areas like the Financial District (11% showing evidence of infestation), and Tribeca (7%) proved to have much cleaner kitchens.

Upper East Side residents were hardly shocked when informed the high percentages that are tainting their neighborhood. Adam Li told the New York Post, "I know I'm taking a risk anytime I eat," he said. "It's sort of like, what you don't know won't hurt you."

Wallflower in the Spotlight

The inconspicuous downtown restaurant Wallflower received a rave review in the New York Times last week. The restaurant is located on Greenwich Avenue in the West Village, and was transformed from "a period-piece oyster-and-absinthe bar to a worthy restaurant" by Xavier Herit.

Noted dishes include their oysters, served fresh and without any added seasoning. The house made duck sausage, which is served in a stew of tarbais beans, and the chicken, which is beautifully decorated, "hardly resembles the robust stew of yore, with carrots and turnips still retaining crunch and brussels sprout leaves lying upturned like fallen petals."

This quaint eatery is hard to find due to its dimly lit sign, and is described as the perfect place to enjoy flavorful food under the radar.

Restaurant coming to union square park

Plans are afoot to reopen a seasonal restaurant within the neo-Classical arch and colonnade in Union Square Park. After years of legal trouble, the restaurant's operator Simon Oren plans to be open in June of this year.

The restaurant, which will be named the Pavilion, was delayed because of a lawsuit against Oren when the city issued him a lease in 2006. Those against the restaurant's opening thought that it was a misuse of public parkland. Last week, however, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Oren and his team could move forward with their construction.

Since it will operate as a seasonal restaurant, it will be open from spring to the end of October. There will be a basement kitchen, serving locally sourced food to the 200 seats both inside and outside the pavilion.

Per Se slammed by Health Dept

The famed upscale dining haven Per Se was pushed down to earth with the rest of the grubby population by a Health Department inspection from February 19, Eater NY reports. The restaurant received 42 points, which would earn it a C grade, though the grade is officially pending and can change after a second inspection, once the place has a chance to clean up its act. The violations included five categorized as "critical," and the restaurant was cited for not having hand washing facilities in or near the food preparation area and bathroom. "Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided."

Italian Restaurant/hotel to open in Hudson Square

Beverly Hills architect Marcello Pozzi is bringing some of his Hollywood glamour to a new hotel and restaurant opening in Hudson Square. DNAinfo.com reports that the new 20-story boutique hotel, named Hotel Hugo, will open on April 1st at 525 Greenwich Street.

There will be a rooftop bar, and the Italian restaurant will offer outdoor seating. Pozzi oversaw the details of designing a 14-foot tall glass entrance, blue marble floors, and vertical gardens throughout the building. The restaurant will serve handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and a Mediterranean inspired cocktail menu.