[Kalina, 12/11/06.]
Bar Martignetti (above) and its downstairs drinking place, Belgrade (below), are vaguely reminiscent of McNally's Pastis and Pravda--and said resemblance is probably not a coincidence (nor a misstep). The Brothers Martignetti, Tom and Anthony, have opened a duo of venues on the border of Soho and Nolita that mostly just aim to please, albeit at a mildly aggressive price point. Their menu is a roster of bistro staples with a few worthwhile curve balls worked in, such as the Eggplant Martignetti. The dining room is a NY bistro by-the-book, with plenty of aged glass and mirror and a tin ceiling. Downstairs, at Belgrade, the aesthetic is equal parts estate reading room and Eastern Block dive, which makes for a reasonably pleasant place to settle in for cocktails. At both venues, weekends may prove a bit sceney, should that be a concern.
Following a last-minute shuffle, Ryan Arnold in no longer in the kitchen. Instead, Lonnie Dyner (Brasserie 8 1/2) and Sung Park (Jean Georges) share toque duties.
Further reading in Dish and on The Curious Case of Bar Martignetti.
