Franklin Becker Leaving Brasserie to Start Bedford FallsFranklin Becker, the chef at Brasserie, is leaving the restaurant to pursue his own projects. One is a New American restaurant called Bedford Falls, opening this fall or winter. Bedford Falls, of course, is the name of the town in It’s a Wonderful Life, and Becker says he chose it to convey the “classic, traditional” American theme of the restaurant. “It won’t be comfort food, but rather modern reworkings of classic American tastes in a comfortable atmosphere. Bacon always goes with scallops, so my pork belly and scallops will naturally fit right in.” Becker is now in negotiations with two landlords and will release the new address once the lease is signed. Becker is also in talks about a TV project, but he was reticent to disclose any information prematurely. “It’s almost done,” he says. “It could happen in the next few days.”
Neighborhood Watch
American Grill Rejected by the E.V.; Second Ave. Deli to Open in JanuaryAstoria: The “Sophia Loren” pie at Michael Angelo’s II on 23rd Avenue near 29th Street is said to blow away the neighborhood’s pizza competitors, and with the not-so-innovative toppings of mozzarella, tomato, basil, and sauce. [Joey in Astoria]
Carroll Gardens: Lucali overwhelmingly won an albeit mini-poll for the hood’s best pizza parlor. [Bergen Carroll]
Chinatown: The owners of new restaurant U-Choose Express on Mott Street have decided to decorate their space with an old sign from fifties diner Lonnie’s Coffee Shoppe that was uncovered during renovation. [NYT via Lost City]
East Village: After only five months American Grill is giving up the ghost. Did its blintzes really fail to lure 4 a.m. drunks away from Odessa, was it flat-screen overdose, or just the constant reminder of Kiev’s death by gentrification that did the mod diner in? [Eater]
Hell’s Kitchen: Artisanal Premium Cheese Center is hosting a sake and cheese tasting on December 5 to “showcase the lovely synergies that superior Sakes and exquisite (Artisanal Premium) Cheeses share.” [Artisanal Cheese]
Midtown East: They may be hoisting their sign today, but the 2nd Avenue Deli probably won’t open until January. [Eater]
Midtown West: Bruni’s first impression of Brasserie 44 (after, he notes, Rob and Robin’s) : It looks Scandinavian. [Diner’s Journal/NYT] Sangria 46 at 338 West 46th Street will feature a different sangria each day for the twelve days before Christmas starting on December 13 with three-berry rosé. [Grub Street]
Neighborhood Watch
Jerry’s Saying Good-bye to SohoAstoria: The newly opened Valverde at the corner of Steinway and 36th Avenue is offering up some fresh Mediterranean flavors. [Joey in Astoria]
Boerum Hill: One Girl Cookies gets accused of price deception. [Chowhound]
Midtown East: Brasserie, Café Centro, and Naples 45 have each developed tomato-centric menus that can be ordered now through September. [Grub Street]
Midtown West: The Treats Truck will hold court at 38th Street and Fifth Avenue on Tuesday. [Treats Truck]
Soho: Jerry’s diner will give up the ghost on Sunday after brunch service. [Eater]
Restroom Report
Making Sure Not to Get Caught on Camera at Brasserie
Eateries that get modernist makeovers run the risk of feeling painfully dated after a few years. Take Brasserie. Descending the illuminated glass staircase into the dining room as monitors over the gel bar stools broadcast your grand entry doesn’t carry quite the same thrill these days (not least because the monitors are mostly static now). Seven years on, Brasserie is starting to look a Park Avenue dame wearing Comme des Garçons from five seasons ago. But how are the loos holding up?
