THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Gander Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Gander Restaurant Review:

This Flatiron District restaurant is brought to you by chef Jesse Schenker, who has been cooking for West Village diners at his first venture, the diminutive Recette, since 2010. The Gander, his sophomore effort, is the opposite of Recette in some ways: it’s spacious and high ceilinged; there’s a long, plush bar that attracts a crowd for after-work drinks. The menu isn’t as Gallic as that of Recette, though there are a few dishes that have made the leap, such as the first-rate Buffalo sweetbreads, served with blue cheese and celery. Tempting options abound among starters, pastas and mains: sea trout tartare; spaghetti with clams, with its hidden bits of fatty guanciale; and duck breast served with “dirty” rice and beans, tomatillo and cilantro. For brunch, a big German pancake comes topped with a mountain of caramelized apples, candied pecans and ginger whipped cream. Try the saffron-loaded banana parfait for dessert. The wine list offers 20 options by the glass from California and Europe.