Verandah Place deli and other spot on Warren and Court

[dimples]

There was a sign in the window of the take out place on the corner of Warren and Court (forget the name of the place) saying "Margaret Palca Bakes" and I spoke to the fellow inside---he said she was taking over the lease and the Verandah deli is closed --Cristophe is going to focus on catering.

[EJC]

http://www.bk11201.com/?p=155

The Red Deli is now painted white... Does anyone have any ideas what's moving in?

[cazique]

I was told by the guys working inside the place that it was going to be "a new deli." They didn't have any more details. This was probably in August or so.

[EJC]

my fingers are still crossed that the Greek restaurant rumor is true.

[Larry Brooks]

A friend I know who lives around the corner told me the rumor is the "new" Cafe on Clinton owners now have this place.

[Ljubitca]

This is true - its supposed to open soon. I believe it will be called the Red Delicatessen.

[Larry Brooks]

I wonder if they'll introduce some quality back into that corner. My wife and I were last at the "new" Cafe on Clinton before we got married,a couple of months back. We had apps and drinks. We still have yet to go to the new Cafe on Clinton for a proper meal. Any new reviews?

[war machine]

The former owner of Cafe on Clinton, Barry, said Cristophe was shutting down both operations to move with his wife to Hong Kong. This is what I heard. Also, the cafe on clinton is gone. The new operation should be renamed because it doesn't really reflect anything about Barry's version. Even if the menu has been made more sophisticated. My excitement for this place has gone out the door. I have yet to have a good food experience here and don't feel I need try again as it's been 2 months now. Other people have solid reviews. I've had to apologize to my groups twice for coming here and that is not a position I want to be in.

[Ljubitca]

Well from my understand Barry used frozen food. As far as I am concerned the new owner is only doing Barry a favor by retaining the name. I have been there and I have had nothing but the most pleasant dining experience as well as great food. If it doesnt reflect Barry's version - its good.

[LED]

Not in my experience. The Tuesday night lobster special was the best lobster deal in NYC and I found it always cooked to perfection. And the challlah french toast at brunch was definitely homemade, as were the chicken and french fries on the kids menu. I thought the old CoC was the perfect neighborhood restaurant. Not fussy, great wine list and good service. I miss it.

[Carol Gardens]

I miss the old place because of the specials. Lobster Night, Early Bird...these kind of deals are a treat for people in the neighborhood and keep restaurants lively on weekday nights. I really depended on Cafe on Clinton for impulsive casual dining. I have to try the new menu--the prices put it just out of range for me for frequent dining. I passed by brunch time and the food did look good.

[EJC]

:(

I loved the croissant cinnamon rolls, and the carved ham sandwiches on fresh ciabatta.

[MShapiro]

I know the red deli and Café on Clinton are completely different, but is it a coincidence that two solid establishments so close to one another have decided to close? I thought one establishment would be tough to replace, two even harder. More importantly what does this mean for other local restaurants/delis in the area?

[Ljubitca]

Cafe on Clinton is temporarily closed and will be open for August.

[Steve R]

Well, sort of. Yes, it'll be a restaurant and yes Barry owns the space but no, Cafe on Clinton will not be re-opening. Different place, different owner, different menu, different chef. We will all miss Cafe on Clinton. It's gone.

[brooklynr]

This doesn't strike me as anything other than coincidence — two long-time owners deciding they'd prefer to do something else. It's hard to tell from the OP's report, but I find it hard to imagine that Christophe would only use the "red deli" location as a kitchen for his catering business, so it wouldn't surprise me if someone else took over that location soon.

[dimples]

It looks like something is going on inside the old Verandah Place deli. It's a great spot--Any ideas?

[Budino]

oh, Verandah is closed! I'm so sad about that. When I lived nearby, that was my favorite lunch spot.

Is Margaret Palca opening a second location? Or moving from Columbia st?

[Claire]

That's too bad. He had the best coffee!