Welcome back to The Bib, food52 and Eater's first ever restaurant competition, where notable New Yorkers whittle down a list of New York's best new restaurants. Every day during the Bib, one of 15 chosen judges will explain why one restaurant, narrowed down from a giant list of '09 and '10 openings by our Bib Panel, defeated the other in a comparative tasting.
A brief recap: M. Wells, Maialino, Ma Peche, Marea, Kin Shop, Locanda Verde, Red Rooster, and Torrisi Italian Specialties advanced in Round 1, and Torrisi and Red Rooster moves forward in Round 2. The second round continues today with Bridesmaids director Paul Feig and his decision on Marea vs. Locanda Verde. He writes:
The restaurants that most people complain about being “too stuffy” or having “too many people swarming around the table” are usually my favorite places. I once had a four-hour lunch by myself at the Hotel Bristol in Paris that I count as probably the greatest dining experience of my life. The more people in tuxedoes bringing me everything from utensils (still not quite sure what that thing that looks like a flat spoon is for) to finger bowls, the happier I am. Not that I don’t enjoy simple, low-key restaurants. I do. But if I have to choose, I’ll choose the fancy restaurant with the overabundance of people on the payroll every time.
Click through for the rest and to find out who wins this round.>>