Chubo Review

June 09, 2003 Peeking in at the sea of open tables at Petrosino on a recent evening, we were reminded that value still shares a rather intimate relationship with price on the Lower East Side dining scene. It's a lesson that Chubo (Clinton @ Houston/Stanton) seems to have noticed, too, given that this month-old newcomer is prix fixe only, $20 for two courses or $24 for three. The place is narrow but well decorated, the menu efficient in scope, the food a strange global fission that mostly worked. (Granted, the best thing we had was the $37 Gewürztraminer, which we ordered mostly to show off the fact that we've learned how to pronounce it.) We'll be back. N.B. In a detail surely meant only to give restaurant critics a hook, "Chubo" means "professional kitchen" in Japanese, one of the most unprofessional restaurant names we've ever heard. N.B.B. Citysearch sez midweek at Chubo is one ingredient Wednesday. Hmmm...

Dining companion Ken emails a slightly contrary take: "With the exception of my appetizer and entree, the food was great!"

Posted by: Lock at June 9, 2003 05:23 PM

yeah, having lived next to petrosino for a year, i wish they'd take a cue from the neighborhood. if you're selling $20 entrees in the LES, it better be damn good. petrosino's just good.

Posted by: tom at June 15, 2003 08:53 PM

Had dinner there a couple of weeks ago - my "Poulet Grand mere" was pretty bland, though we had the Wine sampler which was significantly more enjoyable.

Posted by: Dale at July 10, 2003 04:28 PM