Like many New Yorkers, I was patiently awaiting the re-opening of Union Square Café 
that closed its doors after 20+ years right off Union Square. When it finally re-opened on 19th and Park, four of us headed to Union Square Café to sample the new fare.
The new rendition is not as upscale or as cozy as the original. Although the service is attentive with lots of personnel, the 
waiter doesn’t appear out of nowhere when you drop your folk or lift your head when you wanted something.
This new Italian bistro is comfy with multiple levels for seating and two bars; the lighting is good (meaning I could read my menu without turning on my iPhone’s flashlight) and I could hear my dining partners without straining. I like that.
At first, the prices seemed more than I recalled, and then I remembered that it included hospitality. No tips anymore at this or any of Danny Meyers’ restaurants.
We started with a cauliflower molded custard with black truffles ($21). Good thing four of us were sharing as it was quite rich. The delicately coated fish and calamari slices 
came lightly fried ($19) along with shishito peppers — served with an anchovy mayo that non-anchovy eaters would enjoy.
What shined — as in the original 16th Street location is the house-made pasta. The pappardelle — those thick broad noodles — came tossed with tender duck, chanterelles, diced winter squash and Brussels sprouts ($27, as we ordered an entree portion). The red candle-like pasta 
came with a subtle carrot and yogurt sauce peppered by chilies and flavored by pancetta ($25).
The Moroccan spiced chicken comes tender and juicy with sliced of white sweet potato and a cippollini onion ($29). Like in the original restaurant, one outstanding dish not to be missed is the polenta. My dreams of my first tasting at the original location included marscarpone, this side dish rendition is with maiitake mushrooms and pesto ($12). So good, so rich, so addicting … so glad I had three others to share it with.
For sure, I’ll be back at Union Square Cafe … often!
– bonnie
Union Square Café
101 East 19th St.
New York, NY 10003
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