NYC's Balthazar Opening Next Month (London)

[zuriga1]

Lots of buzz about the opening next month in Covent Garden of this beloved, Manhattan restaurant. From what I've read, the prices are going to be tres expensif. Ah well, it's London and not Manhattan SoHo, so it's to be expected.

Robert Reid, who trained under Joël Robuchon and took over for Marco Pierre White at the Oak Room will be the chef.

What I loved most about Balthazar was the great brunch one get always get. I hope they serve the same choices here.

[mushroomaffairs]

The fact that it's in the Covent Garden neighborhood alone will add another few pounds and a couple of quids, lol.

The Manhattan Baltazar already draws an international/touristy clientele anyway. My guess is that Balthazar London will keep with it's Franco-American theme. There's not a lot of reason to deviate from its success but if anything they should go ahead and put mushy peas on the menu.

[zuriga1]

I hope they don't put mushy peas on the menu, and I bet I'm not alone.

[brokentelephone]

Unfortunately, Covent Garden is a touristy pain in the ass -- personally, I'd prefer if Balthazar opened in Mayfair, perhaps on Mount Street or somewhere in Knightsbridge.

[brokentelephone]

Apparently a reservation line is opening shortly -- I'm going to try to book a standing brunch reservation and make it my 'thing'

[PhilD]

It will be interesting to see where it fits into the London hierarchy of faux French brasseries. Unlike NYC, of the days before McNally started his empire, London already has a good range of places delivering this style of food - however is going to be positioned as a US faux French brasserie or will Keith try and go more French than US.....the menu seems to indicate the former.

I did enjoy my visits to Balthazar in NYC but was that because of the magic of NYC or because of the restaurants brilliance? I will be intriguied by the reviews.

[bnowell]

As I New York City resident, I can tell you that Balthazar is fantastic.

And Manhattan Soho is extremely expensive, as well.

[brokentelephone]

Was your (presumed) typo supposed to be an 'a' or 1 ? I prefer, "As #1 NYC resident..."

[bnowell]

'Twas supposed to be an 'a'. Excellent question.

[zuriga1]

SoHo - Manhattan style can be expensive, but it can't hold a candle to some places in the UK. :-) It was more fun years ago when it was more artsy and funky.