We'd be surprised if South Gate, Kerry Heffernan's five month-old restaurant—and the first place to go into the the Essex House since the Big D gave up on his spot last year—has ever been packed since day one. The combination of numerous lackluster reviews and an incredibly high end setting and price point in a down economy leave us with only one conclusion: Deathwatch. It sure is pretty. No one doubts that. But it's just not the right time, not the right place, and not the right outlet for Heffernan, who proved himself at Eleven Madison Park to be a noteworthy chef. On the flip side, if you have a party of ten that needs a resy for 8 p.m. tonight, they will more than gladly assist you.
· Eater Inside: South Gate [~E~]
· Deathwatch: Sheridan Square a Goner Without Robins [~E~]
Filed under: