Vandaag – CLOSED (guess we were right)
Scandanavian
http://www.vandaagnyc.com/index.html
103 Second Ave. – East Village
We went to Vandaag when they first opened. We were quite enamored with the place at the time and have been back for cocktails. Who doesn’t love the clean lines of Scandinavian decor? They make lovely cocktails with Aquavit and Genever. They use local ingredients to create dishes inspired by the cuisine of Denmark and Holland. And they carry an impressive selection of beers.
Sunflowers in the Window
We had a rather delicious brunch one Sunday prior to a show in Tompkins Square Park. As brunches go, this is one of the better we’ve had. The selections are quite unique, well-prepared and presented. To begin, the cocktails are special…
RADLER – PINEAPPLE INFUSED AKVAVIT, LIME & GINGER SYRUP WITH BELGIAN WITBIER 10
POPEYE 11
FRESNO CHILI PEPPER AKVAVIT, SPICY TOMATO, PILSNER , FENNEL POLLEN SALT RIM
HETE BLIKSEM ‘HOT LIGHTNING’ – CRISP FINGERLINGS, BACON, APPLE, STROOP SYRUP 8
SMOKED MACKEREL SCRAMBLE – ONIONS, YOGURT, DILL, GREEN PEPPERCORN 14
ROOKWORST – MUSTARD HOLLANDAISE, SLOW POACHED EGG, ALE BREAD 15
Recently we made a pre-Joe’s Pub reservation for an early dinner and were really looking forward to a hearty early fall meal. When we arrived there wasn’t a soul in the joint. We had reserved for 3, but our third was late. They escorted us to the smallest two-top by the bar and advised when our friend came we could pull up a chair. Steve nicely asked if we could get a better table (i.e., any other one in the entire restaurant). She said sorry, they have reservations. I said, WE have reservations. She told us to wait a few minutes while she checked the chart. We looked at one another and followed her to the door. Who wants to sit in an EMPTY restaurant anyway? We walked out and went to Mono + Mono, which was completely packed but was able to accommodate us at a nice bar table. So, unfortunately for Vandaag, we won’t be back. That was the first time we have EVER walked out of a restaurant. But use your judgement on this one…the food is great. I wonder if they should be on death watch? No reason they should be empty.
Brendan Spiro says:
October 30, 2011 at 6:05 PM (Edit)
Dear Jen & Steve,
I can’t possibly fathom why you were both treated so inhospitably at my restaurant, Vandaag, recently. It is true that when we have reservations, the restaurant can seem empty as we wait for the client’s to arrive; creating a perceptive disconnect with the ostensibly easy request to be seated with better accommodations. This is the case in the East Village-everyone choosing to dine later and at the same time. However, we do not train nor condone any staff member refusing a solution that is acceptable to the client.
Reading the wonderful experience you seemingly had at Brunch early on, I feel compelled to invite you both back as my guests and show you what we are truly all about. Please email me to make arrangements.
Respectfully,
Brendan Spiro
Jen says:
October 30, 2011 at 6:52 PM (Edit)
Brian,
We truly appreciate your very generous offer, but it is not necessary. We will absolutely be back. It is nice to see that you take your business very seriously. To your point, we did have a fantastic food experience. On our last visit, your hostess did offer to find us other seating and was very apologetic when we left. She acted appropriately. I understand fully the reservation situation, as everyone wants an 8pm table! Thanks again for your kind offer.