In The Magazine

Platt Sees Mario Batali in Michael White; Todd English’s Libertine Opens

Formerly L'Impero, now Convivio.
Formerly L’Impero, now Convivio. Photo: Hannah Whitaker

Now that we know what to expect this fall, Adam Platt is eating again. At Convivio this week, Platt finds chef Michael White to be “midtown’s answer to Mario Batali.” Though he’s not crazy about the new décor, Platt was impressed enough with White’s omnivorous range and granted Convivio three stars. Rob and Robin got an advance look at Todd English’s Libertine, opening this week in Wall Street’s Gild Hall hotel. Also in openings, the Robs preview the playful small plates of Ed Witt’s Bloomingdale Road; a new Greenwich Village location for the modern-Italian chainlet De Santos; and another Ninth Street Espresso branch appears, weirdly, on 10th Street. Santa Rosa plums are in season this week, and Abraço chef-partner Elizabeth Quijada provides her recipe for a simple, delicious tart. Gael Greene is enthusiastic about Julian Medina’s Yerba Buena in the East Village and recommends the picada. Finally, look to Rob and Robin for a strategy to conquer lunch at Ko. Getting a reservation is just the beginning.

Platt: Convivio
Openings: The Libertine, Bloomingdale Road, De Santos, Ninth Street Espresso
In Season: Santa Rosa Plums
Insatiable Critic: Yerba Buena
Ko by Day

Platt Sees Mario Batali in Michael White; Todd English’s Libertine Opens