My New Book—Ice Cream: A Global History

Upper West Side: West Branch Closes

Grub Street reports that Chef Tom Valenti’s West Branch has closed.  When it first opened, I craved their vitello tonnato, that luscious chilled veal with tuna sauce classic. Then the place seemed to go steadily down hill.  Wonder what will wind up in that space?

Food Away: The Best Fish and Chips This Side of the Pond

I’m not much fish and chips fan. In my experience, it’s more like fish and grease. So a couple of weekends ago, when we stopped at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London, CT on our way back from Boston to New York, I ordered the lobster roll instead. Still, Roadfood, a site I [...]

West Branch Satisfies Upper West Side Bistro Needs

I’ve never been a huge fan of Ouest, Tom Valenti’s celebrated Upper West Side eatery.   So my expectations for West Branch, his new bistro situated at 77th and Broadway, were pretty muted.
But, boy, was I pleasantly surprised!
This is a great addition to the Upper West Side dining scene.  For the price, the food can’t [...]