Back in Time at Hotel Griffou

photo from Jedi Foodi

Last night I had dinner with my friend Nicole at Hotel Griffou,  the newest little anti-hotspot hotspot started by a group whose resumes include names like Freeman’s, Pastis, and Waverly Inn.  It’s styled like a turn-of-the-century (20th) supper club, set below 9th st with no signage to suggest a restaurant lives just below the sidewalk.  The interconnected rooms are richly decorated (your slightly cool-even-though-she’s-batty great-grandmother would love it) and the food is equally as rich (and outdated).   The menu needs the translation of the server only in that while you may have heard of Steak Diane or Lobster Thermidor, you’ve never actually SEEN it.  The cocktail list is creative, and the one I had, with cucumber vodka, muddle grapes and St. Germain (and elderflower liquer) was incredibly refreshing and delicious.  Overall, it’s a great place to enjoy some nefariousness, or take a hot date.  It’s also going to be a great place to go once the cold weather comes, when it’s actually appealing to hide away in these cozy little rooms and eat pork cutlets and surf and turf.

Grilled Romaine Salad with Parmesan, Anchovy and Lemon Dressing

Grilled Romaine Salad (bottom) and Lobster Fondue (top)

Daurade (top) and Pork Cutlets with Mushrooms and Peas (bottom)

Hotel Griffou: 21 W. 9th St bet 5th and 6th Sts in the West Village.  Read reviews here, and here.