New York - May 16, 2003

He's Crafty

Wichcraft Restaurant Opens

Tom Colicchio, New York’s got your number.

And it shrinks every time you move east.

You opened Craft a few years ago to critical acclaim but considerable diner head scratching (do I dare pair braised beets with roast pork?). Then came Craftbar: one door east, a less intimidating menu, gentler prices.

The colonization of 19th Street continues with the opening of ‘wichcraft early next week. Cancel your lunch plans, kids. Colicchio’s new breakfast and lunch shop is the most democratic (read: affordable) take yet on Craft’s specialties — amazing breads, pastries, cheeses, and charcuterie, as well as the Greenmarket’s best produce.

And, of course, sandwiches, heaven’s gift to casual dining. Breakfast variations include an onion frittata on ciabatta and banana, and chocolate and hazelnut on grilled brioche. Lunch puts the best BLT to shame: chicken breast, roasted tomato, caper flowers, and red onion on ciabatta; or roast leg of lamb, roasted peppers, black olives, and arugula with lemon aioli on ciabatta. Grilled cheeses have their very own category.

What next? Our money says a vegetable stand on the corner. We’ll be there waiting in line too.

‘wichcraft, 49 East 19th Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South (212-780-0577).