THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED URBO

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED URBO Restaurant Review:

This ambitious tri-level, 26,000-square-foot space houses two restaurants in one. The industrial chic-meets-vintage atmosphere at URBO Kitchens on the ground floor with its three immaculate open kitchens manages to capture the energy of Midtown while keeping ultra-touristy Times Square at bay. A seasonal American menu emphasizes farm-to-table ingredients including artfully presented prosciutto-wrapped white asparagus, and goat cheese ravioli topped generously with portobello, fennel and eggplant ragoût. Entrées highlight hearty fall-off-the-bone braised short ribs on a bed of creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes and crisp green beans as well as beef filet tartare blended with egg yolk and chopped cornichons that give it a welcome crunch and tartness. Pair these dishes with a glass of well-priced Côtes-Du-Rhône, Delas 2012. Otherwise, the Nebbiolo, Cascina Bruciata 2011 also makes a good complement. Sushi may seem incongruous with the otherwise Mediterranean-infused menu, but it nevertheless works, as in the specialty roll combination with chunks of fresh Maine lobster and avocado sprinkled with black caviar tempura. For dessert, the chocolate peanut butter caramel tart is a must. URBO Loft upstairs features a more refined menu, serving dishes like kale bisque and grilled octopus paired with sweet potato. The ambience resembles a secluded rooftop garden with its overhanging strings of lights and airy feel. The third level is a bar and apropos for a nightcap.