This isn't one of those knock-down, drag-out mega Dishes for the ages. Non. What we have here is a surgical strike. Quality over quantity, see.
1) East Village: We begin this abbreviated edition of the Dish in the East Village where Tadao Mori and Fumihiro "Hiro" Tahara (who is also the master of ceremonies and maitre d' at Nobu) have opened Dieci, a very small Mediterranean joint on East 10th Street. (NYM had some buzz on this one last week, but now they are actually open.) The menu here is limited, with a strong emphasis on cured and cooked meats. Gridskipper has the color: "The meat's high quality might have something to do with the fact that co-owner Tadao Mori owns his own meat company and provides all of his restaurants (including his renowned Lan) with top quality poultry and beef. The garganelli with lamb Bolognese and a touch of mint was delicious and would beat Batali's mint love letters any day." Shame on Gridskipper for being so reckless as to taint Babbo's world famous mint love letters, though even if Dieci comes close delivering that kind of flavor, the venue warrants a visit. (228 E 10th St, btw 1st & 2nd Ave, (212) 387-9545) [Gridskipper; Menu]
2) Prospect Heights: Over the river we go, to Prospect Heights, where Food Network personality Cheryl Smith has quietly opened Cheryl's. By way of disclosure to the soft-opening junkies, this venue has been opened for at least a month, if not two. But, just now its starting to get some attention from the food set, which means you'll be hearing a lot more about it in the weeks and months to come. If website promises mean anything, at Cheryl's you'll find a menu "based on market fresh ingredients prepared with international accents. Most of the produce will be seasonal and regional—procured from local Greenmarket farmers. Cheryl’s cooking features world spices, blended, toasted and ground to create the world fusion flavor that her guests and clients love." Also of note given the restaurant's proximity to Prospect Park: to-go picnic packages are available. (236 Underhill Ave, (347) 529-2855) [EaterWire Staff]
