Walking down Irving Place earlier today, I took a few photos of Casa Mono and Bar Jamón, the soon to be opened and newly opened ventures of Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich. Not surprisingly, preliminary reviews have been very positive.
Casa Mono, 52 Irving Place
Bar Jamón, 125 E 17th St., (212) 253-2773
NYTimes on Casa Mono and Bar Jamón:
With BAR JAMÓN, 125 East 17th Street, MARIO BATALI and JOSEPH BASTIANICH have turned their attention to Spain. Diners at tall counter-style tables can choose from a menu of about two dozen tapas, like tender calamari on a toasted baguette, two kinds of Spanish ham (jamón) and anchovies on a bed of chorizo-flavored bread crumbs. Mr. Batali and Mr. Bastianich, both of Babbo and Otto fame, have the chef ANDY NUSSER preparing the dishes next door at CASA MONO, another new spot of theirs that is opening in a week or so at 52 Irving Place. Casa Mono will have a more elaborate menu of small plates, and seats at 20 tables and 2 bars. Unlike Bar Jamón, it will eventually accept reservations.
(A very large and legible version of the menu is here.)
NYMetro on Casa Mono and Bar Jamón.
Gotham Gal had a few bites of things to come at Casa Mono.
Sustenance declares Bar Jamón "tiny but fantastic."