The Forklifter Strikes Again- Capsouto Freres

The Forklifter chimes in about another neighborhood favorite:

Some colleagues and I had a special dinner out to celebrate the end of a successful project at Capsouto Freres- possibly Tribeca's longest running restaurant. Judging by the rest of the patrons, there were quite a few celebrations going on for a Sunday night. Capsouto Freres always maintains its allegiance to classic French cooking--a rarity these days. I'm a pushover for cassoulet and it's hard to find on NY menus. Ordering a souffle is a must; there are always several to choose from --should I be embarrassed that my table order one of each? My personal favorite was the fig with port wine sauce.

More from The Forklifter: Trattoria Cinque

The Forklifter- our dedicated reader, contributor, and restaurant lover- was out and about recently and lifted not just a fork, but a pen as well:

Trattoria Cinque has one of the nicest, most welcoming rooms in the neighborhood - and staff were no slouches either. I loved the big banquettes and huge fireplaces. It's casually sophisticated, but I was really pleased that they made my kids so welcome too. They're famous for their Caeser Salads and the concept of 5 seasonal offerings in each menu category (hence the name Cinque). There are always a few specials so the menu fills out nicely. My favorite was the super-thin crusted pizza with pear and gorgonzola. I'm thinking I should bring a bunch a friends next time and score one of the big tables in front of the fireplace.

Cercle Rouge in November

Thursday November 19, celebrate the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau at Cercle Rouge! Chef Pierre Landet has plans to tempt your palate with a prix fixe 3 course menu ($39.95). Each dish tells you a story of the region and can be enjoyed with a glass of our Beaujolais Nouveau picks: Antonin Rodet or the classic Georges Duboeuf.

Of course, if the Beaujolais Nouveau is here that means Thanksgiving is not too far behind. Cercle Rouge has three-course prix fixe menu ($49.95), bearing Chef Pierre Landet's French touch, that features such dishes as Pumpkin Ravioli, a delectable Organic Roasted Turkey with Foie Gras, and home-inspired Pecan Pie with pumpkin ice cream.

A la carte menus are available for both occasions and a special children's menu will be prepared for your Thanksgiving feast! To see full menus click here. For reservations, please call 212-226-6252.

Iron Chef Returns to Tribeca

Tribeca reataurant lovers are a-buzz regarding Masaharu Morimoto's plans to open a casual Japanese restaurant/ bar on Church Street. Here is an excerpt from a post on Eater:

Morimoto has taken the former Dennis Foy on Church St. to do a mid-priced funky place catering to the late-night crowd. Should be a great hangout for foodies and chefs at 2-4 AM... He talked about how he missed Tribeca since he used to be at Nobu and really likes the 'hood. He's looking forward to doing something more low-key (more of a neighborhood place) than in the Meatpacking.

Tofu in Tribeca

Tofu done right is a delight. A reader had this to say about a recent tofu experience:

I may have had the most ethereal homemade tofu in the city this week at Rosanjin in Tribeca. Perfectly proportioned, the tofu was accompanied by a dollop of cavier, a small mash of fruit and a light soy based sauce at the bottom of the dish. Sheer delight. The sashimi was extraordinarily fresh and tuna and sweet potato was well made. The service was warm and helpful. I will be back for the tofu.

Welcome Sarabeth's

The news is Sarabeth's Kitchen will be taking over the Bazzini space sometime this winter. It will be another great brunch spot. Expect something big from them at Taste of Tribeca, May 15, 2010.

Terroir Will Open at 24 Harrison St.

Insieme chef Marco Canora and his partner will open a branch of their Terroir wine bar at 24 Harrison St. Despite the closings of Chanterelle and Yaffa's, the Tribeca restaurant scene is thriving. Expect to see some new restaurants at next year's Taste of Tribeca, May 15, 2010.