American, brew-pub (self-proclaimed gastrobrewery)
http://www.508nyc.com/
508 Greenwich St. – TriBeCa

In a word, WOW!  After my underwhelming overpriced meals in Las Vegas, this came as an incredible surprise.  Frankly, we’ve walked right by this place more times than I can count. Recently, I read an article about NY celebrity favorites and this was Bethenny Frankel’s.  For those who never watched the NY Housewives or the subsequent Bethenny Getting Married and Bethenny Ever After OR for those who’ve not heard the news of her $120 mil deal with Beam Global on the Skinny Girl Brand, let’s suffice to say she lives across the street from 508.  Likely after that deal, not anymore!  But anyway, she is by profession a chef, so we took her word for it.

The decor is very cool, chic modern with a lively bar scene.  Specials are offered at the bar on drinks and oysters.  We were seated in the rear behind the curtained area…

The waitress informed us that they are now creating their own house beers and they make sangria daily.  We went with the sangria, but are interested in trying the home brews next time. We have already made a reservation for next week following the Hudson Square Music & Wine Festival.  By the way, that’s happening at City Winery all summer on Tuesday nights from 5:30-7pm.  See our separate review by Steve.  Below a little preview…

We started with two interesting appetizers.  First, we had dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in Serrano ham.  It was a delicious combination; very powerful flavor but a bit heavy. Next we tried the deep fried artichoke hearts.  They were small pieces which were light and airy. The Chef includes some of the interior leaves which just turn to a flaky, crunchy tastiness that melts in your mouth.  We followed with some ridiculously great entrees.  I ordered the lobster pappardelle.  I cannot think of a time I have had so much lobster in a dish, particularly not for $28!  The flavor was rich and both tomatoey and creamy at the same time.  Steve got the Pat La Frieda Short Rib Burger.  Not only was the beef fantastic, but the Portugese roll made the entire thing.  The burger at Tribeca Grill last week was good, but the bun was overwhelming.  This burger,  OMG!

MENU

Appetizers

Madjool Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese, Roasted Almonds in Serrano Ham, Served Warm With Honey Drizzle 10

Fried Artichokes With Rosemary Aioli 12

Entrees

Whole Lobster, Rock Shrimp Whole Chix Lobster (Out of Shell), Rock Shrimp, Oyster Mushrooms, Pappardelle, Light Tomato Cream Lobster Sauce, Chervil 28

10oz “Pat La Frieda” Shortrib Burger Fries, Choice of Blue Cheese, Fontina, or Cheddar on a Portuguese Muffin 17

Check out our other review as we’ve revisited several times…508 Gastrobrewery.