Koshertopia has confirmed that the newest addition to the Mike’ Bistros Family, Mike’s Pizzeria & Cafe in midtown is closed for the summer. While it is unclear why management chose to close the restaurant for the entire summer, locals are not convinced the restaurant will re-open.
I had one of the most enjoyable wine experiences I’ve had in a while the other night when I met a UC Davis friend and her husband for some wine and appetizers in at Mike’s Bistro in New York. The food, as always, was delicious (pan seared sweetbreads, handmade duck gnocchi, and mushroom risotto with truffle oil) and the company was pleasant. The most remarkable part of the evening, however, was the wine.
The funny part is that the wine itself was remarkably unremarkable. It was a 2008 Borgo Reale Montepulciano. I can imagine readers thinking what a wine guy like me is doing choosing a simple country-style wine off of a fairly extensive wine list that includes some pretty serious bottles.
Here’s where the secret is. A wine doesn’t have to be an obscure knock-your-socks-off bottle to be enjoyable. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a great bottle of wine as much as the next wine guy, but sometimes drinking serious wine takes too much effort to enjoy. Serious wine is too cerebral for relaxing with friends; when I’m with friends I want a bottle I can just shut up and drink without too much analysis. No talk of berries, licorice, or cedar box. No contemplating whether the wine was aged in how many barrels of what kind of oak and for how long. No arguments over how the liquid in glass compares to the Platonic idea of Syrah or Chardonnay or whatever and definitely no numerical scores of how this wine would rate on a scale from 80-100 (because after all, that’s where just about all wines end up unless there is something really fundamentally wrong with it).
Wine was made to be drunk, especially together with food. Not every bottle worth drinking needs to be truly world class or get a certain rating from your favorite critic. It’s easy to get too caught up in all the brouhaha that surrounds wine to actually remember that from time to time. Personally, I certainly consider myself spoiled from drinking too much really good wine, which is why the simple bottle of Motepulciano I had the other night was such a wonderful reminder that simple wine with the right people and a good meal can be a great bottle too.
Following our exclusive just a few days ago, it was confirmed yesterday that Mike’s Pizzeria & Cafe in midtown has opened it’s doors. Opening yesterday for a few hours, Chef/Owner Mike Gershkovich is committed to opening but cautioned those who want it all on day one – ovens are on, gas is burning but with a limited menu (no deliveries just yet). Chef Mike is committed to upholding the high level his restaurants have come to be known for so he’s taking his time.
Mike’s Pizzeria and Cafe
35 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
Chef/Owner Mike Gershkovich, of Mike’s Bistro and Mike’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen, has signed a new lease for the previous location of Aroma Pizza at 35 West 36th Street in Midtown.
Although the space will not be ready for 2 months or so, this location will be offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The two Upper West Side locations will remain open for business as usual.
Mike’s Bistro is one of the nicest kosher restaurants that New York City has to offer. Before I head over, I made a reservation, preferably for the top floor. More on that to come. 
I walk in and am immediately greeted enthusiastically by a warm staff. I’m offered to sit at the bar, which I notice has a brick wraparound and four leather barstools. Towards the front of the restaurant wooden steps lead you up to a raised street level. Tables are set up and a view to the street can be requested. The restaurant boasts three different seating areas. There is this raised street level, a ground level, and an upstairs level. The tables in this restaurant are spread out with plenty of movable space for the wait staff and patrons. You’re able to sit and easily have a conversation with your dining companion. The ground level has a warm orange glow from the stained glass lamps that are affixed to the surrounding walls. There are unique details from the debossed wooden ceilings to the linen tablecloths covering each table. I notice jazz music being played in the background, softly, and it becomes part of the atmosphere. Wooden steps lead you upstairs to the second floor. This floor is a bit quieter and unique, with a high ceiling and wooden floors. To me it has a townhouse feel, and this is why I always request it. A brick fireplace greets you as you walk up the stairs. Branches are wound a bit around the banister; these details gives the place character without being cheesy. The exposed brick wall adds a wonderful feel to this level. Eleven smaller tables are included and some small ‘nooks’ with archways hold smaller tables, which makes that seating a bit more private. The service is so wonderful at Mike’s Bistro that it becomes part of the design and ambiance. With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, this is where I’ll be making my reservation.
Click here for the Mike’s Bistro listing
