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Openings Roundup: "M" by Megu, Opus, Naya
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 11, 2008
Modified Oct 11, 2008
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By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 11, 2008
Modified Oct 11, 2008
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"M" by Megu: Expensive Tribeca Japanese restaurant Megu has redone its upstairs space (formerly Kimono Bar) into a swank nightclub (pictured) with a "small bites" menu. The dance floor has been expanded, fancy cocktails like “Death in the Afternoon” (Absinthe, Champagne, Rock Sugar) have been concocted, and the waitress have been attired in swimsuits custom designed by Keiko, who we're told is kind of a big deal. Menu options include Kobe Beef Sliders, Crispy Cod Sliders, Crunchy Rice Cake Poppers, and select items off the downstairs Megu menu. Your reaction to the following will probably determine if any of this will appeal to you: Eve attended the opening party! 62 Thomas Street, (212) 964-7777
Opus: This new Italian bar/restaurant/pizzeria/gelatoria is good news for Upper East Siders with an aversion to gluten. Chef Giuseppe Lentini (known for Tini's, another UES Italian place) emphasizes gluten-free cooking with an expansive menu spanning the boot from top to toe. The press release declares that all allergic diners, not just trendy glutens, are welcome because Lentini makes each dish to order. So maybe there's an untapped market of Upper East Siders with food allergies? The 70 seat restaurant, which features art by Federico Castelluccio (Furio on The Sopranos) also hopes to cash in on hungry insomniacs by keeping the kitchen open until 5 a.m. For dessert: house-made sorbets, gelati and dairy free frozen treats by the scoop or quart. 1574 Second Avenue near 82nd Street, (212) 772-2220
Naya: This new Lebanese-Mediterranean restaurant in Midtown East looks pretty space age; the dining tables seem like they were salvaged from the set of 2001. Given the futuristic ambiance, it makes sense the menu promises "pure tradition mixed with innovation, building upon the original techniques and recipes of past generations of Lebanese women" (Naya means “new” and is also a common Lebanese woman’s name.) Edibles include Batata Harra (Spicy Sautéed Cubes of Potatoes with Fresh Coriander, $6), Kibbé Naya (Lebanese-style Steak Tartar with Bulgur, Onion and Mint, $10), and Samké Harra (Marinated Fresh Striped Bass, Topped with Spicy Tahini, Walnuts, Garlic & Cilantro Sauce, $22). There's also a prix fixe tasting menu and, for dessert, such delicacies as Ashta (Traditional Lebanese Sweet Cheese, Topped with Banana & Warm Syrup). 1057 2nd Avenue, (212) 319-7777
Tagged
allergy
club
dining
gluten free
italian
japanese
lebanese
m by megu
mediterranean
megu
naya
new
new york
nyc
open
opening
opus
restaurant
upper east side
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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