THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED West Branch

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED West Branch Restaurant Review:

Tom Valenti knows the Upper West Side. Already something of a revered figure thanks to his pioneering restaurant Ouest, his West Branch is just as in tune with the neighborhood's sensibilities. It's also quite in tune with everyone's pocketbook---the prices are manageable, especially taking into account the quality offered. What you won't find is anything froufrou or conceptual---the focus is on feeding and pleasing diners. On that note, starters include asparagus vinaigrette with chopped egg and celeriac rémoulade with country ham and a baguette. Sandwiches include a passable Cuban, a hamburger made with chuck ground in-house and topped with "secret sauce," and a light tuna salad sandwich---and all come with a choice of mesclun salad or hand-cut fries. Many of the entrées are ideal for the winter months, including a mammoth, immensely satisfying short rib pot-au-feu and duck confit with sauerkraut, pork sausage and bacon. The only misstep is the pan-seared trout. While it's competent, it arrives only with lemon caper cream and is rather banal. Desserts are wallet-friendly as well, including a cookie plate with chocolate chip and peanut butter iterations. Brunches can get very crowded, so arrive prepared to wait.