THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED InTent

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED InTent Restaurant Review:

The NoLIta eatery takes its name from the big top---its tented ceiling that is---and its flavors from a mélange of Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Morocco. A glassed-in front room gives way to an earthy-hued dining room where banquettes surround a long central dining table lit by Middle Eastern-style lanterns. Owner François Payard (Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro) and his partners have forgone French fare at their venture and, along with executive chef Craig Freeman (Le Cirque 2000), created a specialty menu focusing on regional cuisines such as tagine-style eggplant, roasted monkfish with creamy eggplant caviar or turkey osso buco with chickpeas, harissa and broccoli rabe. After tasting the savory options (and being seen amongst the young and beautiful crowd), sneak a look at the dessert menu and go for the red wine-poached medjool dates served over feta cheesecake or warm chocolate tart served with candied hazelnuts and Gianduja ice cream. Note that even with the best of intentions, there will definitely be no love if you have no reservations.