191927 Mon Aug 13 16:47:43 -0700 2001 8 18 Manhattan 0 1024861 I'm sure most of you have seen the news about Wylie Dufresne leaving 71 Clinton, but I heard some more detail last night that is very exciting. Yes, he's leaving in the spring to open up his own place about a block away at 50 Clinton Street. It will be more upscale than 71 Clinton (can't imagine the food being better, but can't wait to try!) and will be about twice the size. One of the sous chefs will be taking over and is already working with Wylie on the current menu, so I wouldn't expect too much of a change at 71. If you've never been, thanks for reducing my wait for a table, but you're missing out. But wait, there's more. The owners of 71 Clinton are also opening a cafe and bar at 49 Clinton Street (sandwiches, soups, salads). The official opening is tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 14th. They are also opening a bistro diagonally across from 71 that will be less expensive than 71 and the dishes will be simpler. Not sure exactly when that's opening, but soon I hope. Think I'm done? Nope. If I understand correctly, il Bagatto is also opening up another restaurant. Also on Clinton St. It's scary how excited this all makes me. Mon Aug 13 16:47:43 -0700 2001 0 df 1 1024863 I can't wait to try out Wylie's new place. 71 Clinton is easily one of the best buys in the city -- the food is phenomenal and the price tag is even more surprising. I just hope Wylie brings the Pork Chop with him when he leaves...and the Goat Cheese Tart...actually I hope he brings the whole darn menu. Mon Aug 13 17:53:25 -0700 2001 1024861 0 GangGreen 2 1024870 YES it's true that Wylie Dufresne and his fabulous dad (the older guy at 71 Clinton who did the wine list and worked the room!) are moving across the street to 50 Clinton BUT as far as I know, 49 Clinton is Wylie-free--it's the owners of 71 cashing in without the great chef. Mon Aug 13 21:09:11 -0700 2001 1024863 0 KV 3 1024878 More Activity on Clinton Street eh? Just when I thought the looming Recession was going to keep it quiet for awhile. Ate at 1492 last night for the first time.Usually I eat at the place on the corner, no not 71 Clinton , 72 Cibao. An excelllent place to have rice and beans, and a killer roast chicken. 1492 was not crowded and they are very friendly. We sat at the bar and had the tortilla, grilled Sardines and pequillo peppers stuffed with Bacaloa. All very servicable and reasonlably priced. Had a pitcher of Sangria which was tasty and I think they put some cinnamon in it? El Cid would be my favorite place to have tapa's, but if your down in this area and don't want to go near Xunta or Salas, I'd recommend it. Tue Aug 14 11:16:56 -0700 2001 1024870 0 SLAP 4 1024885 Ate at 1492 on Saturday. Tapas were nice, as was a salad with aged goat cheese and guava paste. Entrees--seared tuna and black ink paella were the ones I tasted--were disappointing; merely fair, and bland. The drinks were excellent, especially a tasty mojito. My big beef was, again, service. Us: "Can we have a table outside?" Host: "Everything is reserved inside. I'll look and see if I can do anything outside." Of course, the garden was nearly deserted. Then our waiter was wierdly somnambulent and mumbling. Tue Aug 14 13:07:16 -0700 2001 1024878 0 K McB 3 1024881 You are correct. Tue Aug 14 11:26:34 -0700 2001 1024870 0 Mark M 2 1025051 Gotta say folks, I went to 71 Clinton this past Spring and it did not elicit the same kudos from the folks in my party. In fact, I couldn't remember what I ate the next week and my friend from out of town (who directed me to the best gastronmic experience I've ever had at the French Laundry in Napa) remarked that it was somewhat disappointing. Sad but true. I know we are against the grain on this one, but I'd be happy to leave that table open for you. That's what makes horse racing. Sat Aug 18 10:32:55 -0700 2001 1024863 0 Paulina 2 1026132 the chef at 49 clinton and soon 76 clinton worked with the awesome wylie at 71 and many other places like veritas, lupa, chicama***the owners of 71 are not in my opinion "cashing in" but spreading talent to other value priced spots***for sure the wylie/dewey spot @ 50 clinton, backed by jean-george, will be most exciting.... Wed Sep 05 06:55:29 -0700 2001 1024863 0 wheel 1 1026220 thx- all that info was on www.nymag.com Wed Sep 05 18:29:04 -0700 2001 1024861 0 sk