Eaters' Journal 11/21/08: Txikito, 10 Downing, Gramercy Tavern, Restaurant Forte Baden Baden

Krieger, 11/14/08

Txikito: It could stand to be a little darker, we had to request water, silverware, and napkins, and they don't offer bread. But this place is only a week old, and they'll sort it out. Ultimately the majority of the dishes ranged from good to decent, but the squid ribbons is the blowaway dish here, the chewy and not too meaty spare ribs, the let down.—Kludt

Gramercy Tavern: As a tablemate noted, there is no shortage of lunch deals in NY right now. But if I'm to rank them, the $14 soup/sandwich combo at Gramercy Tavern has to be at the top of the list. Lunch is more expensive at Café Europa, people. On Monday, the combo was turnip soup with smoked turkey and bacon on a potato roll. Simple perfection. The house-cured pastrami isn't exactly a pass either. No wait at 12:30 PM for a party of three, although if you're not Steve Cuozzo don't bet on a window seat.—BL

10 Downing: Taking into consideration a recent meal here was comped and Neroni aware of the visit, the food coming out of that kitchen compels me to think it's going to be getting some favorable ink in the coming months. A relief given Chef has had a year, and a partner, to work on the menu. It's comforting without being boring and surprisingly, the menu isn't overloaded with pork (though it's not light by any stretch). Recommended: the fluke, duck meatballs, agnolotti.—Kludt

Restaurant Forte Baden Baden: In a week where I spied numerous half empty restaurants at 7 and 8 o'clock, the packed Restaurant Forte Baden Baden in Koreatown at 7:30 on a Wednesday was a welcome sight. It's an excellent stop for beer, fried chicken, and tender pigs' feet if you're stuck in Midtown for dinner.—Kludt