In this week’s New York, Adam Platt heads south to Danny Meyer’s North End Grill, which, he concludes “doesn’t rise to destination level.” Our critic writes that, “although it isn’t located among the anonymous office towers of Dubai, to admirers of the other great Meyer restaurants, it can feel that way.” He cites the “dining room decorated in utilitarian, even corporate shades of black and white,” and “clean, straightforward menu featuring old gourmet favorites” by chef Floyd Cardoz (Tabla), noting that “there isn’t much at the North End Grill that you haven’t seen before.” Platt does like some seafood entrees, particularly the turbot and “the Nova Scotia halibut, which Cardoz pairs with a pile of fresh clams in a smoky broth flavored with anise and a dash of Mexican chile”; the restaurant receives one star.
Meanwhile, Robin Raisfeld and Rob Patronite have been occupied rounding up all of the city’s most exciting spring openings. The duo has the scoop on everything from Andy Ricker’s much-anticipated Pok Pok Ny (opening April) and Sara Jenkins’s next-door Porsena offshoot, Porsena Sinistra, a lunch counter and wine bar slated for May. Oh, and speaking of spring, spinach is at its sweetest after a long winter — try it in this recipe with eggs and harissa.
