BY JANEL BLADOW | We survived and have been picking up. Things are now perking and with Christmas and New Year’s just weeks away, let the partying begin.
Restaurant Roundup…
Every week, more of our local restaurants, pubs and haunts reopen. Had dinner Monday, Dec. 3, at Mark Joseph (261Water St.) and split a Porterhouse steak for two with friends. Delicious as always. The team is back together even though several of the staff live in Brooklyn and Long Island and suffered serious damages to their homes. Jared, one of their great bartenders, only had his new home in Long Beach 28 days when Sandy hit. He’s now rebuilding walls, floors and fixtures. We’re glad they all made it back.
Meanwhile, mark your calendars to watch “Blue Bloods” on CBS Fri., Jan. 6, 10 p.m. This episode, “Whistleblower”, was filmed in the restaurant. The show centers on a family of cops – from Tom Selleck as the police commissioner, Danny Walhberg as his detective son and Bridget Moynahan as his assistant district attorney daughter, among others. They all gather around the table every episode to break bread and catch up on crime. So no wonder they picked MJ as the perfect spot to settle a beef.
Prosecco, pasta and prosciutto was in abundance at Acqua Restaurant and Wine Bar (21 Peck Slip at Water St.) when it reopened Sat., Dec. 8, with fresh paint, new fixtures and a holiday twinkle. Owner Alberto Baudo told us he had to rebuild the bar, put in all new floors and replace all the furniture, not to mention all the rest of the destruction. Its cozy Italian café ambience is as inviting as ever. By Monday night the festivities were in full swing when they opened their doors to celebrate their return with friends and neighbors, wine and small bites. Chef Ivan Beacco outdid himself. He hopes to resume his delicious tasting tour of Italy’s 20 regions. Be sure to stop by.
There’s a new man in the kitchen over at the Blue Planet Grill (120 Greenwich St.). The former sous chef of the wrecked River Café landed on his feet here as the new head chef. Philliberto Jimeneaz, who was at the well-known Brooklyn waterfront eatery for 10 years, will lead the team at BPG, known for its global fusion fare and artsy cocktails designed by mixologist Artemio Vasquez.
SUteiShi (24 Peck Slip, 212 766-2344) is still among the missing but not completely. Last week the fave sushi spot started delivery service of a limited menu to FiDi, Seaport and Battery Park. So if you don’t want to wander out, order in Monday through Saturday, 5 – 10:30 pm.
Two salty stalwarts, however, won’t be back for a bit. Both The Paris Café (119 South St.) and The Bridge Café (279 Water St.), two of the oldest and most loved local spots, suffered serious structural damages, not mention loss of food, furniture, equipment, glassware and liquid refreshments. Bridge Café owner Adam Weprin told us that he hopes to reopen but it will be months before he can get the 218 year old wooden building back in shape.
Wednesday, Dec. 12, between deadline and when Downtown Express hit the streets, two fun events brought smiles back to the Seaport. Over at Jeremy’s Ale House (228 Front St.), the gang celebrated Christmas 2012 with their annual blowout. Owner Jeremy Holin laid out a food fest sure to please Santa Claus. And at Fish Market (111 South St.), Project Seaport, a fundraising effort to bring relief to the Seaport businesses under the umbrella of New York Cares, held a free bash with a silent auction of New York-themed items for sale. To help, visit www.projectseaport.com.
Calling All Lookies…
A couple neighbors call all the folks who come to the Seaport to see the destruction “Lookies.” Now Wall Street Walks has tours just for them. The group has added Sandy-related elements of information and “sightseeing” to several of their tours. For example, a walking tour of the Dutch settlement then known as New Amsterdam began in September to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Dutch arrival to our shores. Post Sandy, they discovered the old settlement of New Amsterdam was largely unaffected by the flooding and the tour shows you why. Several of their tours touch on the causes and effects of Sandy flooding such as much of FiDi is landfill and that many old waterways are now underground. Tour takers also witness cleanup activities and hear about the impact on local businesses. Hopefully, they stop and spread some green around the hood. The tours continue weekends through Dec. 31. Go to: www.wallstreetwalks.com for info and tickets.
