Opening officially next week after its friends-and-family shakedown, Momofuku Ko, 163 1st Ave. [10th] no phone, has already been swooned over by Ruth Reichl. It's David Chang's new place, which explains everything.
At Adour, 2 E. 55th [5th/Mad] 212.710.2277, Ducasse has Tony Ensault cooking in the former Lespinasse space inside the St. Regis, now David Rockwelled. The contemporary French cooking hasn't hit it hors du parc yet, but the ingredients are there.
Bar Boulud, 1900 Bway [63rd/64th] 212.595.0303, is a long way from the waiters-on-roller-skates-type restaurants that once graced, if that's the right word, these parts. Daniel Boulud's ode to charcuterie and Daniel Johnnes' wine list have made BB a big hit since day one.
Since earning three stars from the Times right out of the gate, Dovetail, 103 W. 77th [Col] 212.362.3800, John Fraser's ambitious restaurant, threatens to demolish once and for all the UWS reputation for wanting large portions/low prices and delivery.
Merkato 55, 55 Gansevoort [Greenwich/Wash] 212.255.8555, is Marcus Samuelsson's step back from his adoptive Sweden, and a hat-tip to Africa (he was born in Ethiopia). The pan-continent food — including kefta, African breads, preserved lemons and harissa sauce from Morocco, even lobster — shows Samuelsson at the top of his game.
Pata Negra, 345 E. 12th [1st/2nd] 212.228.1696, has tapas, featuring Jamón Ibérico, plus sherry and Spanish wines. Add some Spanish cheese, Marcona almonds, and olives and you could hardly do better.
Looking for fun, stimulating, mind-blowing, and captivating things to do around NYC? The New York Public Library offers a wide variety of events and exhibitions sure to spark your interest. Sign up today for our monthly e-newsletter, The New York Public Library News, for news and coming programs, including the 15th Annual Woman's Jazz Festival and appearances by best-selling authors, such as Simon Winchester and Nicholson Baker, who headline LIVE from the NYPL on March 20, 2008.
See XANADU, Broadway's surprise hit musical, for just $56.50 (Mezzanine seats for all performances except Saturday nights) or $67.50 (Orchestra and Front Mezzanine for all performances except Saturday nights). Everyone's crazy for this tale of a hunky mortal who meets a total goddess. Add in great songs, a roller disco and glow sticks, and you have the biggest blast on Broadway! Some restrictions apply. www.XanaduOnBroadway.com
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