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Bette
French bistro, Sophisticated Italian, Chelsea, Amy Sacco. 212-366-0404.
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Vitals
Owned by Amy Sacco (Lot 61, Bungalow 8), with Tom Dimarzo (Jean Georges) in the kitchen. Designed by Diana Vinoly. Opened June 13, 2005, following months of anticipation and soft launch. Named after Amy?s mother, the Deco-inspired Bette is high-end and clubby. If you mother enjoys being 'trendy', you'll do fine here. Ditto for your boss or beau. You?ve got one week before it?s ?5:30 or 11.?
Eat
Bette is what happens when a French bistro and an Italian dame with a strong gene pool have a fancy kid. The bistro classics ? steak tartare, steak frites ? are very respectable. Parma with watermelon works as a post-dinner-pre-dessert course for the table. The lobster gazpacho is refreshing enough to bottle and take to a kick boxing class at Equinox. Off the menu, ask for the roman ricotta and tomato fondue. Do not miss the Cipriani bellini granita. Protein junkies are safe with the seared tuna.
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