New York - March 16, 2009

Monday, Beefy Monday

Libertador Steakhouse Opens

We found a silver lining to the apocalypse: Libertador, a new Argentine steakhouse on the Upper East Side.

Because while you may be canceling TiVo premium and forgoing strappy sandals, you can’t exactly stop eating.

Besides, heady times demand hearty meals. Like empanadas: ham and cheese, fugazza (onions and mozzarella), and humita (corn) — $15 by the half dozen. And grilled meats: flank and rib eye steaks, short ribs, lamb chops — nothing costs more than $24. Charmingly (and frugally) the same carnes cost two bucks less if you sit at the cool meat bar in the corner. Fire it up, gaucho!

The decor is reminiscent of owner Stefano Villa’s downtown outposts Azul and Industria Argentina: lots of dark wood, vintage Argentine newspapers wallpapering the ceiling (look for headlines about Chile’s junta and RFK’s assassination).

The economy may be bloody, but your steak doesn’t have to be.

Libertador, 1725 Second Avenue, at 89th Street (212-348-6222).

Don’t let your friends go hungry: Invite them to dinner.