One if by Land, Two if by Sea

[oakapple]

RestaurantGirl reports that Craig Hopson, formerly chef de cuisine at Picholine, is making the jump to One if by Land, Two if by Sea. The restaurant will close in October for "a sizable makeover." Hopson will hire a new pastry chef, and the cooking will feature "exotic ingredients and bold world flavors on a menu that will be printed daily."

Even allowing the usual truth discount, given the source of this information, one clearly gets the impression that OIBL is actually trying to make the push to become a serious restaurant. There is no logical reason why it could not be, if the owners are truly intent upon doing so. I suppose the odds are slim, but it could be interesting to watch.

[Nathan]

well...they've tried before. I certainly wish them luck.

I think the tackiness of the decor and their reputation as a B&T engagement spot mitigates against the food being taken seriously. but, hey, if they pull it off....

[oakapple]

It's hard to get past our predisposition against it, but I don't think the décor is tacky at all. Its reputation for being one of this city's most romantic spots is entirely justified.

The first question is whether Hopson has the culinary chops. Supposing he does, the second question is whether he will get the support he needs from the front-of-house. When you've been running one kind of restaurant for decades, it's hard to become another kind of restaurant, even if you realize it and are intent on doing something new. Old habits die hard.

[Nathan]

I think it's cheesy.

[ELA]

I have always enjoyed it.

Eric

[Gastro888]

It'll be interesting to see what happens. Chef Craig is quite the talented chef and I understand the owners are very interested in turning things around. Let's give it a go and see what happens. Who knows, maybe a year from now we'll be dying to get a table.

[markk]

I tried to search for a thread on this but got "One or all of your search keywords were below 4 characters" - how frustrating.

If there's not a thread to point me to, how is the food at this place?

I'm still looking for a nice place to take some guests for Christmas Dinner (Dec. 25) and they are open, but over the years I've heard mixed comments?

Any recent experiences?

And if you know of a better place open on Christmas Day, please say.

Thanks!

[Nathan]

it's been discussed. the consensus here is the same as anywhere else (including Bruni's devastating critique):

the food sucks. the crowd is entirely B&T couples getting engaged or having their anniversaries. the decor is tacky or romantic (there are differences of opinion).

it's kind of like Tavern on the Green or Tao...in the sense that it does a phenomenal amount of business...just not NY'ers.

edit: I think Town is normally open on Christmas Day.

Edited November 6, 2007 by Nathan (log)

[oakapple]

The reputation of the food is that it is mediocre and grossly overpriced (except for the Beef Wellington, their signature dish).

A few months ago, a new chef was brought in—someone with a legit. background. But there have been no reviews since then, so you're definitely taking your chances. However, it is a beautiful room, and to folks with middle-brow tastes it could very well seem like a special night out.