Nathan

I imagine that Ed's attorney will be making exactly these points then. (a reasonable speculation is that this lawsuit is the result of negotiations breaking down. you'll see them resume...a court will usually push something of this nature toward compromise)

in decor and ambience it reminds me of a midwestern faux-elegant Greek diner. the food is very good, however, so long as you stay with Cuban classics and avoid steaks and poultry.

This looks like a wonderful drink and I'll try it...but it needs a name.

well...I am a lawyer..but I don't practice in IP. I did take a couple classes in it. the following does not constitute legal advice or establish any sort of attorney/client relationship. assuming, arguendo, that Ed did "copy" Rebecca...the extent of such imitation will be the question. (combined with the degree of originality expressed in the original restaurant.) Balthazar may be imitated all over the city...but it itself is intended to be a reasonable facsimile of a generic "Parisian bistro"... on the other hand, if I opened a "Nathan's" that imitated the entirety of a McDonald's franchise right down to the menu and color scheme....I'd be worried. other considerations: the possibility of confusion in the mind of consumers...might people reasonably think that Ed's is a franchise of Pearl? so, I'm not certain that this opens up a new area....I would think that the same considerations apply as they do in other commercial areas where "look and feel" are considered. as for what the courts will rule...I don't have the foggiest clue (I haven't eaten at either restaurant or read their filings)....but I'd put down a reasonable amount of money that they won't rule at all. It will end the same way as 99.5% of commercial litigations....an out of court settlement.

restaurants: Perry Street, August, Tasca, Lupa, Otto, Babbo, Fatty Crab, Perilla, The Place, Little Owl, Snack Taverna, Cafe Cluny, P*Ong. bars: Spotted Pig (also a restaurant), the Other Room, Employees Only (also a restaurant), Art Bar, Hudson Bar & Books, Blind Tiger Alehouse, Duplex (downstairs), Little Branch (best cocktails in the WV). Pegu Club (just across Houston from the WV). Waverly Inn (also a restaurant and well, famous for another reason). Corner Bistro (very popular dive bar with a good burger). you'll be in easy walking distance of SoHo, the EV and NoLIta as well.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/dining/2...html?ref=dining

heh...the MP is like that Tuesday to Saturday now (at least in the summer)...I live virtually on its border so I walk through it every evening. last night was almost like a Friday.

Saigon Grill is pretty disappointing. it's easily a level below the Chinatown places.

certainly....but right now the menu is the same. are you comparing this to The Modern or to the Bar Room at the Modern?

The vast majority of NY's better dining and nightlife options are downtown so for your needs the GW location makes the most sense.

look, here are several reviews of the London Bar: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...ded&pid=1339279 since it's been called "Maze" for all of a couple weeks there's a pretty high probability that you will only find people who've been there when it was called "The London Bar"...same menu, same restaurant.

update: their website confirms that they changed the name in the last couple weeks (they still call it "the london bar" for breakfast) to Maze. the menu is here and is virtually identical to the one served when it was called the London Bar: http://www.gordonramsay.com/mazeatthelondo...s/alacartemenu/ like I said, you can find my (and those of others) comments on the Gordon Ramsay thread. I specifically compared the London Bar to Bar Room at the Modern and preferred the latter. like I said, the dishes and concept haven't changed with the name change.

um, that's the London Bar...if they've changed the name in the last couple weeks they did it without anyone noticing. yes, both the Maze in London and the London Bar are small plates restaurants.

Pegu Club. they have a variety of small bites there as well. but really, there are around 60 restaurants and bars (literally!) within a five block radius of the Puck Building (most of the good ones are east in NoLIta). a couple SoHo spots (of varying quality) within three blocks of the Puck Building: Lure, Mercer Kitchen, Zoe

this sounds like Krupnik to me.

Oriental Garden

Maze is in London, UK. there was an unsubstantiated rumor that the London Bar at Gordon Ramsay (NY) would convert into a version of Maze...but it has not done so yet and neither has the rumor been confirmed. I've eaten at the London Bar and was underwhelmed. you can find my take on the Gordon Ramsay thread.

for cocktails -- Pegu Club is five blocks away. for food...anything in NoLIta or SoHo is close by: Peasant, Public, Tasting Room, Balthazar, F.ROG, 24 Prince, The Park (for a very quick bite), Bread (also quick), Cafe Falai (ditto)....etc. any specifics on what you're looking for?

brick lane's probably the best on 6th street these days. and they will give you some serious heat if you ask for it.

the standard Martinez was composed of gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur and orange bitters. when the Martinez begat the Martini, the maraschino liqueur was simply dropped.

In Italy you'll find it both up and on the rocks. I've had it both ways from credible bartenders in the U.S. as well. personally, I think Campari drinks beg for the rocks.

I suppose that if I spent a significant amount of time discussing my choices with a sommelier it'd be different. I've tipped a maitre'd when they've gone beyond the call of duty...I'd do the same for a sommelier. but I've never been in that situation.

Believe it's on Broadway. ← Nope. 4th and Lafayette. ← huh? Warehouse Liquors is definitely north of 4th. its adjacent to the 8th street stop on the N/R.

U. and 8th...or is it Broadway? whichever. second the rum selection at Astor.

I "experimented" this weekend with Peat Monster and Germain. my preferred final result: 2 PM, .75 Germain, orange bitters. 2:1 is great on the front...but too sweet on the finish...but 2:1 and .25 lemon might work?