Tuscan

[tommy]

it seems that this place closed briefly and has re-opened under rocco dispirito, that handsome chap. any word on this place? i can tell you that pasta dishes are running at about 29 bucks. not sure if they're meant to be shared.

[Bond Girl]

Word among the young culinery crowd in NYC is that it's rather over rated, but I'd rather reserve my judgement until I get there.

[Liza]

Is that assessment based on actual dining experience or conjecture?

[Bond Girl]

Who knows! But I heard this from a food critic of a major NYC magazine, a couple of chefs who's apparently been, and some Italian food fan at work. I do think they each have their personal biases though.

[Fat Guy]

I think Rocco is more of a consultant, and I know his mother's recipes are also somehow involved.

[tommy]

I think Rocco is more of a consultant, and I know his mother's recipes are also somehow involved.

dunno.

his name is centered at the top of the menu. he doesn't seem like the kind of guy who'd just lend his name to a venture, especially an iffy one. maybe i'll go today for lunch and report back. take a hit for the team, so to speak.

[pixelchef]

You'll be in my prayers, Tommy. Good luck old friend.

[Fat Guy]

You're a hero, Tommy, whether or not the meal is good.

[g.johnson]

So tommy takes three hour lunches?

[Liza]

Throw in a round of table-sexing, and the lunch hour can be easily extended.

[tommy]

So tommy takes three hour lunches?

not today. 1.5 at tabla instead. sorry to let everyone down.

[Wilfrid]

Not the Bread Bar, right?

Sorry, wrong thread

[rozrapp]

So tommy takes three hour lunches?

not today. 1.5 at tabla instead. sorry to let everyone down.

So, no Tommy review. Well, perhaps we can temporarily make do with this report:

http://www.chowhound.com/boards/manhat/mes...ages/64597.html

[rhubarbz]

Went for dinner on the second night they were open without realizing it was so early in the game ... Rocco and his sommelier from UP knew several of us well, so they spent a good deal of time at the table; sent over some favorite dishes. And his mother was there, cooking away!

It's a massive space; hard to imagine they'll be able to fill it on a regular basis. In fairness, i don't like to judge restaurants at this stage - it takes a while for things to come together. Some of the antipasti were quite good; others still needed work. Entree portions were huge.

[tommy]

rhubarbz, do you know any other details as far as the relationship between this place, the menu, and rocco's mom?