New York - December 16, 2005

Putting the BA in TriBeCa

Industria Argentina Opens

“You got year-end vacation plans?”

“Well, I did. Was supposed to go to Venice for a friend’s birthday, but I couldn’t get my act together, as usual. You?”

“Thailand. In theory. Couldn’t deal with organizing.”

“Know where I really want to go? Buenos Aires. Hot people, hot dancing, hot weather. But I’ll flake.”

“Well, want a consolation prize? Industria Argentina just opened in TriBeCa.”

“What’s that?”

“A new restaurant from Stefano Villa, the Italian guy who owns Novecento in SoHo and Azul on the Lower East Side.”

“What’s the Argentine connection?”

“Oh, Italians and Argentineans have a thing. There’s pumpkin risotto and pork Milanesa on the menu. The other owner lives in B.A. and comes up a few times a year to make sure that the chef (also Argentine and a hot chick with a tattoo on her neck) is turning out legit rib eye and skirt steaks from the grill and organic baby chicken from the oven. The wine list is pretty killer, too, and it’s all Argentine. Oh, and everything in the place — floors, tables, chairs, fabrics, bar — comes from Argentina.”

“Do they do takeout? I could go for some hot-blooded Latins who tango till 4 a.m.”

“Hey now. Some things are just worth the airfare.”

Industria Argentina, 329 Greenwich Street, between Reade and Jay Streets (212-965-8560).