Gotham Bar and Grill

We went Gotham Bar and Grll this weekend after a long hiatus (over 15 years for me!). Alfred Portale had pioneered the concept of tall. "architectural" presentations of food. I thought it was too gimmicky and never went back.

However, we were meeting Scott and Jory late Sunday night after they returned from San Francisco and I remembered they had a very nice bar and East 12th Street is convenient to both of us.

The bar is along one wall of this long restaurant. While we were waiting, we enjoyed a Gin Gimlet and some bar 'treats'--wonderful tiny oysters and an order of 'Grilled Octopus' with roasted cherry tomatoes and chick peas. It was as good as any Octopus I have had anywhere - delicate but with good "mouth feel". Chris's 'Raw Oysters' served with onions and vinegar were just like in Paris.

After Scott and Jory arrived we continued with our 'second' starters. I had the excellent 'Yellowfin Tuna Tartare' and Chris had the 'Baby Organic Mixed Green Salad" with Sherry and olive oil. Scott enjoyed the same grilled octopus and Jory opted for the Gotham soup of the day which was a creamy cauliflower. For our main course we both had the 'Heritage Pork' on spinach with a puree of fava beans and plums. We eat a lot of pork. In most restaurants I find they do a better job than with beef (the exception being Sparks and Peter Luger). The chicken on Jory's plate looked great and Scott had a serving of Duck with was perfectly done. We acoompanied the meal with a nice Australian grenache.

Overall, a very pleasant meal. We'll be back.

Gotham Bar and Grill

12 East 12th Street

212-620-4020