The Early Word on MePa Newcomer The Vinatta Project

The day before Thanksgiving, the Vinatta Project opened their doors in the old Florent space. The space has been revamped, there's a small plates menu and wine vending machines, but with all this will the third time around at 69 Ganesvoort really be a charm? Let's see what people have to say.

The Optimistic News: An Eater commenter thinks you should give it a chance: "Gave it a chance... I actually went and was very pleasantly surprised although i was a die hard Florent fan...They are planning to do the lat night dining and their prices are VERY affordable...Worth to be openminded." [Eater Comments]

The Great News: A Yelper is very pleased: "What can I say......brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Completely reminded me of one of my favorite places in Singapore! Great mixology concept......you tell the bar tender what kind of drinks you like and let them come up with an original cocktail mix for you. Now I have to admit the first try was not great but the bartender although it was crazy busy took time out to change it :) The venue is gorgeous, love the bar eating area and the booth type tables. We didn't eat, but read the menu and saw some of the food being served and it looked wonderful.....can't wait to go back for the steak tartare and the croque sandwiches.....big thumbs up guys, definitely should be on your must do list." [Yelp]

The Very Good News: A couple from Open Table only had good things to say: "My wife and I had a great experience seating down for a late (10pm) diner. The place was full without being over-crowded, very well designed with a spacious bar and intimate tables and a friendly staff. We started with custom cocktails; you give some direction regarding liquor, fruit, spice, etc.. and were amazed by what the bartender came up with. The food was delicious and moderately priced, with bits to share (fried artichokes is a must), sliders such as a combination of 3 croque-monsieur, and main courses (I had a fantastic pulled pork). I will be back to taste some of the many wines by the glass they have on display." [Open Table]

The Bad News: A reviewer from Open Table writes: "I know the restaurant is new. Wait staff repeatedly cleared our dishes while we were still eating. Food was creative and good but music was SO loud, it was difficult to have a conversation. And we were one of 2 tables of diners. Asked to turn music down - they said they couldn't only DJ had the key." [Open Table]

More Bad News: From a Zagat commenter : "I was really excited to try this restaurant. A total miss. Unprepared kitchen, untrained staff, under-seasoned food and not worth a trip back. Sorry to say: MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT." [Zagat]

The Pretty Good News: Foursquare tips include: "ask ceffan for an apple jack old fashioned. he'll take gr8 care of u! dancing in the moonlight!" and "The dj is super sexy." [Foursquare]

—Alexis deBoschnek