Simple Made Delicious: Gus & Gabriel's Brings Home to New York City Dining

July 2, 2009 6:14 pm

Simple Made Delicious: Gus & Gabriel's Brings Home to New York City Dining

$Behind the Burner: Simple Made Delicious: Gus & Gabriel\'s Brings Home to New York City Dining$

Enter a world of burgundy painted walls surrounding dark leather stools, quirky items and antiques reflected by a multitude of mirrors. Above you are stained-glass light fixtures and in front of you lies a long hallway leading to a man named Harris--a steel soldier of armor greeting you upon arrival. Now, you notice 65 seats are awaiting an upbeat New York City crowd in dire need of some comfort food, and you are one of them. Where on earth have you stumbled into? Still not quite sure, you just know one thing—you must stay and see what this pub has to offer.

Early Yesterday, Chef Michael Psilakis opened Gus and Gabriel's an American pub that makes you feel right at home. Named after the two most influential men in his life, Gus, Psilakis' late father, and Gabriel, his three-year-old son, this local neighborhood establishment is already attracting those of all ages, keeping their stomachs and surprisingly, their wallets, full. The basic menu of soups, snacks, sandwiches, burgers and more is founded in quality, but low in quantity—not a single item on the menu costs more than $15.

Chef Psilakis is recognized for infusing Greek cuisine with modern NYC dining. While cooking at home for his son Gabriel, Psilakis thought to take comfort to a new level by preparing them in a professional kitchen. The hot dogs, corned beef and pastrami are all made in-house. For some juicy, flavor filled, crispy fried chicken, Psilakis brines the meat for two days in a mixture of 20 aromas and herbs. These crispy chicken pieces are served with gravy, biscuits, and of course, mashed potatoes.

But food isn't the only extensive category on the menu. Gus and Gabriel's feature a selection of 50 beers and 70 varieties of bourbon, scotch, rum and tequila, served by the glass, flask or bottle. What's pretty unique to this pub is that guests have the option to order an 8-oz. stainless steel flask filled with their drink of choice to share with the table.

After all these delicious descriptions, my mouth is watering and I'm guessing yours is too. Go relax for a little at this great new eatery where you can enjoy the comfort of food that feeds your soul. Besides, everyone deserves to go home for dinner, and now, even in hectic New York City, you can.

—Joanna Weinstein

Gus & Gabriel's
Michael Psilakis, Gastropub
222 W. 79th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024
212.362.7470