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Radio Perfecto
Press Release: |
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MOVING ON UP
Radio Perfecto Brings Both Innovative, Value-Added Menu
and Signature Lower East Side Style, Uptown to SoHa
Denizens of the Lower East Side’s relentlessly trendy restaurant scene have come to rely on a handful of establishments that have stood the test of time. When Radio Perfecto opened in 199?, neighborhood diners embraced its unique blend of classic retro ambiance (bakelite vintage radios, low lighting, warm woods and leather) with an equally classic menu that rivaled the tastes of many more expensive Manhattan restaurants. “We wanted to be a neighborhood restaurant," says co-owner Arthur Tullman . “Our vision was of a warm and inviting space where you could get a really good meal without spending a fortune.” As co-founder/owner of downtown’s Mekka and Opaline, Tullman has played a significant part in the revitalization of Lower East Side restaurant scene. He was also a co-founder/owner of uptown’s popular soul food site, The Shark Bar.
Now Tullman and Radio Perfecto partner Scott Alan Sandler, who, along with his construction company, Urban Restoration, has been responsible for building all of Mr. Tullman’s previous establishments, are taking their winning recipe and bringing it uptown to a newly revitalized neighborhood - the burgeoning Columbia University enclave of SoHa (South Harlem or as it is more commonly known, Morningside Heights). Radio Perfecto Uptown will make Chef Pedro Cruz’s signature Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Truffle Oil Salads, available to both natives of this newly re-vitalized area and to uptown diners who get the bends when venturing below 14th street.
“The feeling will be the same - a laid back but stylish dining area with outdoor tables in the summer, where the food and drinks are remarkable for taste and quality, not price,” says Sandler. “The only difference will be that Radio Perfecto Uptown will be in a slightly larger space with more room for multi-Emmy Award-winning designer James Fenhagen’s (Opaline, Shark Bar, “20/20,” “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego,” “Good Morning America”) vision of an accessible, 1930’s “Casual Deco” design. Like its predecessor, Radio Perfecto Uptown will also be a very neighborhood restaurant."
The 70-seat dining room (which expands to 120 in the spring with an outdoor café) is furnished in warm, caramel and honey-hued woods with mohair and leather banquettes. A cork-tiled floor provides a soft, muted acoustic to the room which is gently lit from the underside of shelves holding Radio Perfecto signature vintage Bakelite radios. The antique style, 24-foot curved zinc bar welcomes guests near the entrance. “The feeling is not just retro, but eclectic, comfortable, welcoming,” explains Fenhagen whose set designs for television shows like “The Today Show” make everybody look good. Flat plasma TVs near the bar will be used for special events like SuperBowl Sunday and The World Series. A lounge are near the bar seats 30-40 people on low rise banquettes.
The food of Radio Perfecto Uptown, like its big sister downtown, is also priced in line with the retro feeling of the restaurant. Executive Chef Pedro Cruz is a CIA graduate and alumnus of restaurants like City Hall (where he worked as Executive Sous Chef under Henry Meer) and The Cub Room, but his menu is priced to offer value as well as flavor.
Two special entrees and appetizers are offered daily. Diners can choose to eat-in or take out dishes like Sesame Seed-Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna with Soy Infusion and Sautéed Asian Greens or a Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Cruz’s signature Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccoli and a Tequila Mushroom Sauce. Appetizers or dishes for lighter dining on special include Seafood Risotto of Mussels, Shrimp and Calamari Mixed with Saffron, Parmesan Cheese, Basil and a Hint of Truffle Oil and a generously portioned Grilled Portobello Salad with Arugula, Red Onions, Diced Tomatoes, Shaved Parmesan Cheese Topped with Balsamic Vinegar and White Truffle Oil.
Appetizers available regularly include Lollipop Buffalo Wings Served with Crumbled Bleu Cheese Dipping Sauce(which comes in “Regular,” “Hot,” and “Must Sign Waiver for Possible Side Effects”). Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels are served up in a spicy marinara sauce with garlic crostini. Entrees on the menu every day include Grilled Atlantic Salmon With Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed California Spinach and a Dijon Cream Sauce, an “Eat Now, Diet Later” 16 oz. Spicy Blackened Grilled Pork Chop with Black Beans, Yellow Saffron Rice and Tropical Fruit Salsa and a Roasted 1/2 Chicken of the Day served in a Daily Special Sauce with Garlic Mashed Potatoes (cooked to perfection on imported French rotisseries which have made Radio Perfecto Downtown synonymous with great roasting). Radio Perfecto desserts (which, like everything else, can be taken “To Go" or delivered) include a light and sweet Homemade Coconut Key Lime Pie and a dark and delicious Creamy Chocolate Mousse.
Radio Perfecto Uptown is now open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Check our homepage for hours.
1187 Amsterdam Avenue , Btwn 118th and 119th.
Phone # 212-932-0707
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