The Trilby, Now Open and Serving 'European Style Comfort Food'

25 Cooper Square, East Village
Phone:
Status: Now Open

The Trilby, the clubby, loungey, somewhat mysterious new restaurant and bar in the Cooper Square Hotel, and the successor to both Faustina and Table 8, opened to the public today. Run by Cooper Square Hotel managing partner Klaus Ortlieb and the former food and beverage manager of the Bowery Hotel James Stuart, The Trilby will serve "European style comfort food," which in this case means burgers, gnocchi, mussels, artichoke dip, pork terrine, and roasted chicken. So vaguely European, pretty American, not too out of the norm or inaccessible for a new restaurant menu these days. As for prices, mains run $16 - 26, apps are in the low teens.

The vibe is dark, moody, loungey, with plenty of sofas and booths, big carpets and heavy drapery, and a newly landscaped outdoor garden to be utilized when the weather turns nice. Perhaps this formula—a decor focused on drinking and, you know, lounging, and a middle of the road menu (no chef is mentioned in press materials)—will finally be the one to click. For those who check it out, send all early word this way.
Previous Coverage: Trilby Stalking, 2/24; Restaurant Roulette 2/23
Further Coverage: UD; NYP; The Feast
[photo credit]

To Snack
mediterranean olives / $5
local radishes with anchoïade / $6
blue point oysters with red wine mignonette / $3 ea.
buffalo mozzarella with roasted tomato crostini / $7
6 minute egg on toast spinach, anchovy / $6
selection of cured imported meats / $18
selection of cheeses with homemade chutneys / $18

Smaller plates
cauliflower soup with floret crisps / $8
warm artichoke dip with country toast / $10
tuna and avocado crudo with gaufrettes / $13
roasted beet and watercress salad with french feta and walnuts / $11
arugula salad with radicchio, parmesan and sherry vinaigrette / $8
pork and pistachio terrine / $10
razor clams “a la plancha” with bacon / $12
mini short rib sandwiches with napa slaw / $11
burrata gnocchi with cherry tomatoes / $13/19
steak tartare with quail egg and toast / $12

Larger Plates
steamed prince edward island mussels and fries / $16
atlantic cod with artichokes and wild mushrooms / $24
scottish salmon with steamed asparagus and lemon vinaigrette / $23
the trilby burger with vermont cheddar, special sauce and fries / $15
roasted organic chicken with truffle-smashed potatoes and brussels / $21
bar steak with sautéed pea shoots, fries and béarnaise / $22
braised lamb shank root vegetable puree, carrots / $26

Sides
truffle-smashed potatoes / $7
roasted brussels sprouts / $6
sautéed spinach / $6
root vegetable puree / $7
fries / $6

Dessert
trilby ice cream float / $10
carrot cake with cream cheese frosting / $8
warm apple crumble with caramel ice cream / $8
classic creme brulee / $8
gianduja pot de creme / $8
profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce / $8