Sonia Rose

[J Greg]

Is the Sonia Rose opening on Orchard Street this week from the same owners of the Sonia Rose formerly in Murray Hill?

[ChefPeter]

Yes it is one and the same. I know Gary and interviewed to work there some time back. The old haunt closed due to loss of lease that Gary had no control over. Gary then opened a cheese steak shop in the village or something, (was on tv with Mario Batali for apparently every once in a while he supplied Mario with the family meal). The new SR was supposed to be New French and 3 courses under $20!!!! In addition there was talk of live classical music and opera. I have to say though I have not spoken to Gary for over 6 months so I am not sure if his plan has come to fruition.

[RGR]

Actually, after he closed on Lex, he moved Sonia Rose to a space on 34th St., which didn't last too long. The cheesesteak shop came after that.

[RGR]

Yes. The chef/owner is Gary Thompson. We ate at Sonia Rose once when it was on Lex and enjoyed it.

http://eater.com/archives/2008/08/the...

[JungMann]

What type of cuisine did they serve? It sounds like standard Italian from what I read, but might have my interest piqued if they serve anything with a little innovation.

[RGR]

Iirc, the original Sonia Rose served New American tilting French -- or maybe the other way around. You don't say where you read that the revived S.R. will be Italian, but acc. to this, it will be French:

http://www.urbandaddy.com//nyc/1716/Sonia_Rose_New_York_City_NYC_By_Any_Other_Name_UrbanDaddy_Archives

A few more photos here: http://newyork.foodistcolony.com/Rest...

[JungMann]

I received the exact same Urban Daddy email this morning except for everywhere your link specified "French," my email specified "Italian." How odd!

[RGR]

Odd, indeed! But given the restaurant's history in its two prior locations, I think it's more likely to be French than Italian.

[kcurleq]

I called the restaurant and they said cuisine is modern French. Also as a correction to the urbandaddy, shows won't start until November 1st

[LRS]

Is Sonia Rose BYOB?

[RGR]

It was BYOB when they opened. However, I recall reading that they applied for a liquor license. Don't know if they got it. You could call and ask. Tel.: [phone]

[LRS]

I just went, it is not BYOB anymore. They have a very small wine list, very affordable however.

[RGR]

Can you give us some details about the food? How was the overall experience?

[LRS]

it was very goo for the price: $19.50 for a 3 course meal. The food is not as delicate as it could be but hey for the price is very good, you should go and check it out, without doubt.

Im running late so i'll be very schematic and just state plain judgments.

Appetizers
Home Made Fettuccini- Good
Ginger Salmon Cakes- Nice
Classic Caesar Salad - Forgettable

Entrees:
Free range hen: Nice
Special Soft shell Crab dish: Good but a litte too salty

Desserts:
Double Dutch Chocolate Mousse -good
Cheesecake with candied pecans- very good
Dessert Sampler - ok

Every wine bottle costs around $27. The malbec was better than the pinot.

[RGR]

Thanks, LRS. Since we did enjoy our one dinner many years ago at the original Sonia Rose, it's likely we will try this new incarnation.