As mentioned, chef Sean Chudoba has left Bar Luna. The official word is, he and owner Turgut Balikci weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on execution of the concept, so, while waiting for a hard copy of his liquor license, Balikci installed another Upper West Side toque, Jacques Belanger (Chudoba is also out at Balikci’s other spot, Ayza). Chef Belanger has worked with Tom Valenti for six years, first as a line cook at ’Cesca, then as a sous-chef at Ouest, and finally as chef de cuisine at West Branch. As you can see below, his menu is more streamlined than Chudoba’s (more dishes will be added in the coming weeks). Bar Luna is currently serving meat and cheese plates — on Wednesday, it’ll open for full dinner service and then eventually for brunch. Certain menu items (most likely the to-share dishes) will be available till the restaurant’s closing time of 2 a.m. Have a look around.
To Share
Crispy Confit Duck Gizzards 7
White Truffle Pizza 13
Wild Mushroom Ragu with Polenta 10
Manchego and Tasso Croquettes 8
Burrata with Roasted Peppers 9
Marinated Beets and Goat Cheese Mousse 7
Beef Carpaccio 9
Clams and Chorizo 8
Fried Oysters with Saffron Aioli 9
Crostini
3 for 9, 6 for 15
Fava Bean and Pecorino
Cauliflower, Chickpea and Curry
Chicken Liver
White Bean and Ham
Ricotta and Artichoke
Tapenade
Soup and Salads
Yellow Gazpacho 7
Mixed Greens 6
Asparagus and Poached Egg 9
Salad Nicoise 10
Pastas
Saffron Risotto with Shrimp and Andouille 13
Lobster Tagliatelle 16
Garganelli Putanesca 11
Wild Mushroom Fettuccini 14
Entrees
Wild Striped Bass with Cockles 16
Olive Oil Poached Halibut with Brandade 17
Roast Chicken 15
Braised Chicken Leg, Green Olive and Preserved Lemon 16
Veal Milanaise with Rocket Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan 19
Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde 18
Bar Luna, 511 Amsterdam Avenue, nr. 84th St.; 212-362-1098
