Every month, we shine the spotlight on a handful of Sam Tell clients to celebrate their success and share what makes them special in our seasonal roundup. Take a look at this season's selections below:
When beloved Barbuto shuttered last May amid a real estate deal that amounted to a hostile takeover of its space on Washington Street, the idea was always to reopen—but the “where” and “when” needed to crystallize first. Well, the process is now complete as Barbuto has made its triumphant return to the restaurant scene in a new spot, about one block closer to the Hudson River.
Now at 113 Horatio St., Barbuto is back to life with chef Jonathan Waxman’s full complement of rustic, farm-to-table fare, including his famous JW Chicken with salsa verde, as well as other popular dishes like the grilled gnocchi and the shaved-kale salad. Though it's currently operating in soft-opening mode, eaters report that the easygoing approachability of Barbuto remains safely—and thankfully—intact.
Long Island City’s transformation from industrial wasteland to a hip, bustling community began long ago, but the restaurant industry is still adding new establishments at a tremendous clip. The latest, a handsome riverside restaurant with an unrivaled view of Manhattan, comes from the executive chef and owners of LIC’s contemporary-Italian restaurant Maiella.
The large-scale restaurant, dubbed American Brass, sits on the edge of Gantry Plaza State Park (2-01 50th Ave.), with 170 indoor seats and another 84 outdoors. Abundant windows reveal an unobstructed Manhattan skyline, while brass accents, tiled walls, and antique mirrors provide an enticing atmosphere surrounding a menu of mussel pots, robust steak preparations, and other classic American brasserie entrées.
After years in litigation and negotiation regarding closing times and liquor licenses, Buddha Bar’s New York City location is bearing down on an imminent opening in Tribeca. With restaurants, hotels, and spas across the globe, Buddha Bar has built a name for itself among travelers thanks to close ties to big-name house DJs. Its Tribeca debut will coincide with the opening of its neighbor/partner restaurant, Assunta Roma.
The sizable space will have two levels, with 120 seats downstairs in the Buddha Bar restaurant area and 40 in the upstairs lounge, along with 18 at the bar. The restaurant chain features Asian fusion, with a high influence from the California and European flavors and techniques. Buddha Bar venues boast over-the-top and cinematic ideals, creating lively backdrops for those craving a sensory overload with their night out.
Originally published March 12th, 2020.