Barbuto

Barbuto located in the West Village is a great place to people watch and that's about it really.  Jonathan Waxman from Top Chef Masters disappointed our plates.  Located on the hot corner of Jane & Washington Street you would expect to have this delicious dinner that would blow your mind since Cafe Gitane is literally around the corner along with Standard Grill.  They have a good space with a huge outdoor seating, but keep in mind if it's hot out, they don't have A/C, so don't bring a date here unless it's 70 degrees!

Starters:

Insalata Caprese

Mussels

Entrees:

Pollo al Forno (roasted chicken) w/salsa verde

Spigola ai Ferri (black cod) w/endive, leeks, & mushrooms

Special of the Day - Red Snapper in tomato sauce

Patate (fingerling potatoes) w/calabrian & rosemary

Dessert:

Raspberry Gelato

Chocolate Sundae

B's Review:  I was excited to try a Top Chef Master's restaurant since they are "the best" in world, but was disappointed with a few things, first the A/C condition.  Mind you I love to people watch and I am known to stop a conversation just to watch someone cross the street or put a bike in their car, but on an August night having no A/C is not fun.  I love the garage feel look as it makes it a comfortable environment...perfect brunch location.  2nd disappointment was the amount of oil on the insalata caprese. The tomatoes & cheese on this salad were outstanding as we learned that the chefs go to the market everyday and pick out fresh ingredients that is why the menu changes everyday, but the salad was drenched in oil.  My chicken was outstanding since it was moist, but it lacked that kick, that flavor.  It was also HUGE; they actually served me a 1/2 chicken, so if you want to share a dish, this is the dish.  My girls ordered the fish plates and the black cod was amazing and buttery, the side salad...gross.  The red snapper was hardly touched since it was too sweet and the combination didn't go together.  Sadly I don't think I'll be venturing back there...sorry Mr. Waxman.

Barbuto

775 Washington Street

New York, NY 10014

tel: 212.924.9700

-S&B