Friday, February 25, 2011

Orologio serving its last meal with Sunday brunch

As you know, something called The Beagle is taking over the Orologio space at 162 Avenue A between 10th Street and 11th Street.

Last night, a reader passed along word that Orologio will serve its last meal with its Sunday brunch.

Meanwhile, a commenter had previously listed some of The Beagle's offerings:

Appetizers:
Braised and Pressed Pig Head - $16
Bacon Wrapped Rabbit Loin - $18
Roasted bone Marrow w/foie gras - $18

Entrees:
Pan Roasted Squab - $27
Braised Lamb Neck - $25

Anyway, the reader mentioned how many lovely meals that he and his wife shared at Orologio through the years. "Goodbye to affordable restaurant romance!"

And say goodbye to Chico's clock's mural...

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fuck the Beagle

glamma said...

will sorely miss orologio : (
especially their black and white pasta with shrimp! they did it best! thanks for all the years of goodness, so sorry to see them go.

Anonymous said...

gross!!!!!

Anonymous said...

The owner of Orologio, who's name I do not know, along with his supporters argued that transferring the liquor license from Orologio to Matthew Piacentini's Beagle is a better choice than to transfer to a place, say like Horous because it will be quiet. I couldn't disagree more. One thing's for sure, that Matt Piacentini is a liar. He said that if there was any opposition that he would back down, that he didn't want to have a ten year battle with neighbors, yeah right. He also said that he would not use the outdoor seating, but of course never had any intention of doing such.
One of the stipulations put in writing by the community board is that he will not use the outdoor space for one year until he can prove himself a good business. He will also have to have, I think a number of security people to keep the street clear. The restaurant is not that big so the food is going to be very expensive. Not a neighborhood joint. People think that the frattie noisy bars are the real problem in our neighborhood, and of course they are a problem, but places like this are even worse. Places like this are the real Yuppifiers gentrifiers of the neighborhood because they cater to an affluent crowd. It also helps towards the proliferation of high end condos and rentals in the area. Rich people don't want to live above Diablo Royale. Think Nolita, how it's all cleaned up, how they don't want the feast(low culture).
The one good thing is that under the new CB3 liquor license policy the Beagle will not be grandfathered in to transfer his liquor license. In other words if Matt the hound doesn't do well then he will not automatically be able to sell his liquor license no questions asked. Future businesses at this location will be treated as new applicants, which exist in an over-saturated resolution area.
The owner of Orologio was allowed to sell his liquor license, so lots of luck and thanks alot.

Marty Wombacher said...

Braised and Pressed Pig Head...Braised Lamb Neck...who made this menu, Hanniblal Lector? EV Hawk would enjoy this, but I doubt he/she could afford it.

Anonymous said...

EV Hawk!!! Yes, we definitely need a name for our new neighbor.
-Roger P

Anonymous said...

affordable? $18 apps? please.

Shawn said...

Dear Beagle,

Cute name if you are serving dog food. Oh, you are.

Drop dead.

Love,
The East Village

NC said...

Hold on - Orologio has/had outdoor seating. So what's the big deal if the Beagle follows suit - it's the same outdoor seating - no?

I also like the look of the menu. Perhaps you should go on a special occasion and give it a try? I know I will.

Marcy said...

I know where I won't be eating. Gross!

Anonymous said...

The Beagle menu makes me want to barf. Boy, am I going to miss Orologio. And the Beagle's prices are insane. They are going to run into the same Percy's Tavern did when it first opened with that expensive menu. Who can afford this? Even the Yuppies can't afford it in this economy!

Anonymous said...

Yes, Orologio was certainly affordable. The Penne Pomodoro was $9, washed down with a $7 glass of house chianti. That was our staple for a decade and well within our modest budget. The ambiance of course was priceless.

Crazy Eddie said...

Was not a regular per se but we went at least 4 times a year. It will be missed. Was nice to see a range of age demos there as well. Oh well, can the Beagle V-rope be far behind?

Stedman said...

As long as the East Village has seedy and weird people on its sidewalk, it will never be a place affluent people want to visit for dinner or shopping. I had dinner last night on the Upper East Side with a friend, and I was so taken back by the rich, old people in the place. I told my friend, "None of these people have ever had dinner in the East Village." Affluent people like to hang with their own kind. For that reason, I think the Beagle is doomed to fail.

Anonymous said...

Orologio will be missed. Why are they leaving ? Another victim of their lease expiring & rent tripling ?

Anonymous said...

I heard that Clemente, the owner, needed a change and left town, living his life, etc.

Orlogio was a favorite 'eat by myself' place - not many of those left in the neighborhood where a good glass of wine and appetizer big enough for an entree (the eggplant parm!) can be enjoyed with a book and without high decibel yelping.

In the early days of Orlogio the music was Italian pop and played as background, not headline.

And I used to be a brunette...

Kairos Kim

Anonymous said...

I am going to miss this place. I heard from one of the people who works there that the owner is going to remain the same, but he is just ditching the Orologio name and menu and starting something entirely new with The Beagle and a new partner.

Anonymous said...

Clemente is here. I saw him today. The restaurant was a transfer to the Beagle. It was up for sale for 200-$250,000. If Clemente is remaining a partner that's not the impression he gave to long time customers, however partners can be silent???

Anonymous said...

@ Stedman I hope you are right that the "Beagle is doomed to fail". The money that's around here is not old money, but rather new young, celebrity, model and trustfund money. Check out the menu at Hearth.