THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Uvas

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Uvas Restaurant Review:

One of the Upper Eastside’s first gentrified hangouts, Uvas has since changed ownership along with its name (from Uva 69), and, also just slightly, its menu. There’s now more emphasis on full three-course meals than on dropping in for wine, snacks and lounge-like late-night entertainment. Saké-marinated salmon with ponzu beurre blanc (plus mashed potatoes and crispy spinach) is indeed an appealing entrée. But frankly, formal dining feels out of place in the rather rustic setting, especially the relaxed outdoor area. We far prefer the informal treats: house-made breakfast pastries, and even tastier artisan ingredient-driven sandwiches featuring just-baked breads, classic French skills, and considerable imagination. Especially recommended: the Minuta, delicately beer-battered mahi mahi with caramelized onions, avocado, tomato and cilantro aïoli on focaccia. For dessert, try guava/cheese bread pudding with rum crème anglaise.