New York - April 30, 2001

Jane Opens

Jane restaurant

Some women can’t hold onto a man.

Some of us can barely hold onto a pair of sunglasses longer than a week.

And then there are those slices of New York City real estate that can’t hold onto a restaurant. Any dining institution that inhabits their walls comes and goes faster than the M4.

Let’s hope that Jane, the new American bistro that opens today, can break that spell. We liked it when E&O opened on that stretch of Houston Street. Then (wait, what was the name of that joint?) came marching in. Then, when Demarchelier opened we thought, maybe?

Nope. Houston, meet Jane.

Inviting and friendly, the 150-seat restaurant has an airy interior designed by Stefan Beckman, a set designer for Kenneth Cole, Banana Republic, and Vanity Fair. The menu? We liked the grilled hanger steak with Gruyere dumplings or the monkfish with lobster-brandy sauce. Veggies only? Roasted eggplant in truffle oil. Starters include crab-and-crawfish critters, fried clams, and foie gras. The wine list is impressive, and you can finish off with homemade ice cream or creme brulee.

But what really gives new meaning to the phrase “Sweet Jane”? A free glass of wine for DailyCandy-ers who bring in a copy of this e-mail. (Offer good for two weeks and for dinner only. And it seems you lushes have been abusing the DailyCandy freebies: limit is two glasses per reservation.)