Good News/Bad News Apiary

Apiary opened just a month ago in the NYU Zone of 3rd Ave near East 11th (yes, right by the Village Pourhouse) to an impressive amount of buzz. And while the Chowhounders, eGulleters, and bloggers have yet to file on the place, our trusty Yelp and Menupages users have had ample time to visit the space, try ex-Flay protege Neil Manacle's "seasonal New American" fare, and report back. To the good news and the bad news:

1) The Great News: Almost all the Yelp reviews so far are raves. Here's one: "After being open just a week, I can confidently say that Apiary has all the qualities of a classic New York place: stylish/chic decor, well-prepared/tasty food and respectful/attentive service. For appetizers, we had the chilled tomato soup, the peaches/prosciutto, the Halibut crudo and the mussels. All delicious - nice blending of flavors, good portion size. For entrees, we tried the lamb, the pork, the rabbit and the scallop/prawns. Again, amazing." [Yelp]

2) The OK News: Andrea Strong seems more impressed with the decor than the food in her brief NYPost write up, but there are no complaints: "Ligne Roset has entered the world of restaurant design, furnishing this sleek neighborhood restaurant with ebony wood, wine-hued banquettes and chrome lights. The robust American menu comes courtesy of chef Neil Manacle (who worked with Bobby Flay for more than two decades). Must-have meal: Chilled golden tomato soup ($8); Moroccan-spiced chicken with green olives, lemon and couscous with apricot and mint ($21); and the chocolate cashew tart with cashew ice." [NYP]

3) The Bad News: A Menupages reviewer is the first to speak up about the bad news: "Service was attentive though there was along gap between apps and entrees. Crab Cake was large but a bit gluey, sweet and not hot enough. Totmato soup was pretty good but also a bit sweet. Halibut and Rabiit both ok but just lacking depth with the rabbit dish being too salty by the end...With Manacle's chops he could do better and this looks like it might be a transient stop for him." [MP]

4) The Not Great news: Another Menupages reviewer chimes in with some not so great news: "We had a good meal at Apiary last night. While the quality was good, I don't think it was good enough for the price ($26 - 28 an entree). I feel like I've had better meals that were the same or less money. Props, however, for incredibly nice servers who were eager to help." [MP]