By ANDREA STRONG
Posted: 2:00 am
July 6, 2008
Forge
134 Reade St.; (212) 941-9401
Talk about a pressure cooker: Marc Forgione, 29, is the son of famed Larry "An American Place" Forgione. Luckily, he's taking it in stride with this stunning TriBeCa eatery, built from reclaimed cedar and framed by tall iron shutters that date back to 1857.
Must-have meal: Wild kampachi tartare with avocado, micro cilantro and American caviar ($18); a mid-course of sheep's milk ricotta agnolotti with tomato consommé; ($14); Mahi Mahi with summers first corn, sorrel and cockles (left, $29); and bittersweet chocolate bread pudding, kirsch cherries and pistachio ice cream ($9).
Soundtrack: Thievery Corporation, the Streets to classic rock and hip-hop.
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 5-11 p.m.
James
605 Carlton Ave., Brooklyn; (718) 942-4255
This new Prospect Heights restaurant is named for chef Bryan Calvert's great-grandfather, James Calvert, a chef from the late 1800s who ran a New York restaurant with his wife. The tribute makes sense, as Calvert owns and runs James, a charming brownstone restaurant with original plaster moldings, tin ceilings and a cozy bar, with his wife, Deborah Williamson.
Must-have meal: Crispy sweetbreads with rhubarb honey glaze and dandelion greens (above, $12); pine-nut crusted loin of lamb with summer bean stew ($22); and grilled lemon poundcake with rhubarb sorbet ($8).
Soundtrack: Everything from Billie Holiday and Miles Davis to the Rolling Stones and John Lee Hooker.
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 5:30-11 p.m.
