Comment from Robert:
We live nearby and are semi-regulars, rooting for Oregano’s eventual success despite its admitted problems. When we stopped in for dinner a couple of weeks ago, we were glad to learn that there are indeed changes afoot. One of the original founders, Carlos, introduced himself and told us that, after not being involved since the early days, he has returned to try to steer a better course, hands-on. That means focussing on improving service, as well as making some alterations to the menu such as adding some American-style food to the menu and (answering our biggest gripe) introducing daily specials. Claude, the excellent chef, is still there.
Our meal (and our service) that night was excellent and we can only hope that Oregano will continue the trend and follow through successfully on these and other improvements. It would be a real shame to see a restaurant with cuisine of this quality (which our neighborhood sorely lacks) fail to make it.
We really don’t need any more “american options” on the menu. What we need is diversity, we have plenty of the other stuff to be found around the neighbourhood.
Agreed, they need to work on the menu, because some items are on the adventurous side for Americans palates, and it has not changed since they opened. There is nothing Chef Claude cannot cook, and he has all the credentials…
That said, I live 2 blocks away and the place, a long time in the making, has been a great addition to the neigborhood. I wish them the best, if only because I now feel I have a decent place to have dinner without having to go Manhattan.
Menu changes include the way it is displayed at the door/sidewalk, on a sheet of paper that looks like it’s been there through all the Sandy’s of the last 100 years.
I’m really glad to see the owner stepping in and listening to customers’ concerns! Maybe I will stop by for another visit.
Just learned Oregano made a special gluten-free meal for a friend.
On a related note – it looks like Riverdale Garden has gone under (again). The place is dark inside and devoid of activity. Sad, but with the terrible service we experienced there when dining for Valentine’s Day last year, not at all surprising.
Riverdale Garden is/was one of those places I always forgot was there. Anytime I passed by there I wondered if they were open, or were an art gallery. Never really heard anything about them either. To be in a place like that, you really need good buzz, or be dependent on the Manhattan College crowd. I hope something worthy takes over that spot.
Riverdale Garden’s space would be a great location for a cafe. Good coffee and teas, plenty of seating, add a bit of a music scene. Perfect magnet for the college crowd.
Riverdale Garden: Now THAT would be a great space for a coffee shop. It’s more conducive to hanging out with coffee/tea. Add a bit of a music scene and you’ve tapped into the college crowd.