78thand2nd

Tax Dept. Shuts Down Bardolino

So far, it's been a rough year for Italian eatery Bardolino. There was the fire back in February, which hit just in time for the place to miss that Valentine's Day sales boost, and knocked the restaurant out for almost three weeks. Now, more bad news courtesy of the New York State Department of Taxation, which, according to the posted signs on the restaurant's window, has closed and seized the premises until they fork over some cash.  Any one with further info, please hit the comments. 

Fire Breaks Out On 78th, Bardolino Restaurant Closed [78thand2nd]

The Perfect Burger?

Have an opinion on the Upper East Side's best burger? A native Californian tours the UES in search of the perfect burger, hitting Jackson Hole, P.J. Clarke’s, Wrap-N-Run and J.G. Melon.

New York Burger Part I: Bigger Isn’t Always Better [Columbia Spectator]

Bardolino Closed, Still Honoring Reservations

A sign hung in Bardolino's window confirms the spot will be temporarily closed but--not wanting throw a damper on Valentine's Day--they're still honoring reservations at the restaurant's sister location: Ecco La at 93rd and 3rd.

Commenter Luca provides some info on the fire that hit Bardolino and the apartments on the corner of 78th and 2nd last night via this post.

It was a small electrical fire started by their electrical sign. It wasn't as bad as one would think it was when looking at the current damage. Everything was gutted as a safety precaution.

Fire Breaks Out On 78th, Bardolino Restaurant Closed [78thand2nd]

Breaking News: Fire Breaks Out On 78th, Bardolino Restaurant Closed

A fire ripped through the apartments at the southeast corner of 78th and 2nd today, according to a tipster, and from the looks of the on-the-scene pic featured above, Italian restaurant Bardolino, which is situated on the ground floor of the building, was hit as well.

The tipster relays that Bardolino is “closed and looks a little gutted” but also notes that the damage to the restaurant "looks like it's just up front."

This is the third fire in the East 70s in the past week and the second on 78th -- is there a pyro running around?

If anyone has any insight as to what caused the latest fire, the comments are open!

· Fire On 78th [78thand2nd]
· Fire Tears Through Building On 72nd [78thand2nd]

Southern Hospitality At The Super Bowl

It was only for a few seconds, but those paying close attention to the Justin Timberlake/Pepsi commercial during the Super Bowl may have noticed Timberlake’s UES ribs and BBQ spot, Southern Hospitality, featured in the ad. The folks over at Eater have the commercial posted.

Justin Timberlake Hawks His Restaurant While Hawking Pepsi [Eater]

UES Valentine's Day Suggestions

Brasserie Julien (Photo: Courtesy of Brasserie Julien, via NY Mag)

New York Magazine points out a few UES spots in this quick Valentine's Day guide. Among the suggestions to grab a few drinks: UES newscomer Felice Wine Bar on 64th and Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle. Dinner offerings include Accademia di Vino on 3rd and 64th and Brasserie Julien on 3rd and 81st.

Best Wings On The Upper East Side?

A “best chicken wings on the UES” debate is warming up on food and drink messageboard Chowhound. It’s early but the names thrown out so far are Doc Watson’s, Rathbone’s, Backpage, and Blondie’s. Please weigh-in if you have a strong opinion. (And comments here are always welcome!)

Best chicken wings on the upper east side? [Chowhound]

Restaurant Week 2008

We're in the midst of Restaurant Week 2008 which is running now through Jan 25 and Jan 28 - Feb 1. Fixed prices are set at $24.07 for lunch and $35.00 for dinner. Below, some relevant links:

· Official Website [NYCVisit]
· NYC Restaurant Week [OpenTable]
· Restaurant Week Suggestions [EdLevineEats]
· Restaurant Week Winter 2008 [About]
· Why I Hate Restaurant Week [Gridskipper]

Persephone Opens On 60th

Persephone has just flung open its doors on East 60th, according to tipster Scott. Below a "Restaurant Openings" review from New York Magazine:

Persephone
"Two decades ago, long before the current Greek Revival, Nicola Kotsoni and Steve Tzolis opened Periyali, the Flatiron restaurant that made its name with charcoal-grilled octopus and phyllo-wrapped salmon. Later this week, the partners expand uptown, where, with a shipment of Athenian light fixtures and Matisse prints, they’ve converted the short-lived Greek restaurant Retsina into Persephone. Periyali chef James Henderson will oversee this kitchen as well, orchestrating a menu full of classics like Greek meatballs in tomato sauce and yogurt, the requisite pikilia-spread sampler, and seafood prepared somewhat in the traditional manner of lamb yiouvetsi, with orzo in a saffron tomato broth (pictured). And where Retsina specialized in that resin-flavored oenological oddity for which it was named, Persephone will offer a full Greek wine list and a selection of ouzo-based cocktails." (from NY Magazine)

Persephone, 115 E. 60th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-339-8363

Big Daddy's Opens

Big Daddy's Diner, located on 83rd and 2nd, revealed itself last week. If you recall, it took the corner vacated by Malaysian spot Penang which was the victim of a rent hike over the summer.