Bistro Du Vent
(212) 239-3060
411 W 42nd St
New York,
NY
10036
40.7587
-73.9931
Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Bistro Du Vent
The Editor
Allison Austin
Citysearch
The Scene
The relatively small space is decked out in rich reds and dark woods, with crimson banquettes facing wooden two-top bistro tables fit snugly together. The crowd is a mix of casual theatergoers and dressier business diners. Service, as one might expect in this neighborhood, can be overly exuberant, but is nonetheless well-informed and expedient.
The Food
Chef David Pasternack, who's made a name for himself at nearby Esca, has put together a French bistro greatest-hits menu: onion soup, frisee salad with lardon and poached egg, steak frites, duck confit. His buttery-smooth chicken liver pâté and the incredible potato gratin, which accompanies decadent rare calf's liver, will please even the pickiest bistro fiend. A few details--forgettable frites, so-so homemade sausages--disappoint. But more often, entrees like the burly lamb shank, easily falling off the bone, and intriguing beef braised in oranges and olives, are deeply satisfying.
User Reviews
dijkdes
April 01, 2006
Went there for lunch and it was excellent. As an appetizer I had the white bean soup with chorizo and it was not only beautifull (after all the eye wants to be pleased too - and I was impressed with what they were able to do with a soup) it was also by far the best white bean soup I have ever tasted. As a matter of fact it was so good that I have been searching for a recipe that will come close to it ever since (no luck yet). Someone else in my party had the short ribs and he's still talking about those. The restaurant has gotten mixed reviews but I hear there has been a change in management/chef and I think people should really give it another shot. I thought it was great and I will certainly be going again.
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kbcnyc
February 06, 2006
The service at Bistro du Vent was atrocious. We waited well over an hour to be served our first course ... after repeatedly explaining to the waiter we had theater tickets and needed to be out promptly at 7:40. At 7:30 we had not yet received our main courses! We had to leave -- there was no sense in getting our food and only having ten minutes to eat. The staff was neither apologetic nor nice about the inconvenience. And on top of all of this -- the food we had for the first course was only so-so. Not up to Mario Batali standards.
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tbr5
January 06, 2006
Went when they opened last year and had a terrible evening pre-theater. Decided to give it a second chance tonight. Had 2.5 hours before theater and our second course arrived 45 min after the first and 10 min before we had to run to the theater. The service was atrocious. The food was average. The manager said they have no excuse and called our evening a disaster, and I agree. Never go here pre-theater or in my opinon, I won't even give it a third chance or return and HIGHLY do not recommend.
read full reviewThe Details on Bistro Du Vent
What to Drink:
The wine list is exceptionally affordable, with most bottles ranging from $25 to $50.
The Extras:
Pasternack and Batali also collaborate at nearby Italian seafood spot, Esca.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Business Dining, Theater District Dining
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
David Pasternack
