Creo'

I went to Creo at Stuyvesant Plaza today for an early dinner. I'd held off from this place due to the fact that I thought it would take time to work out bugs, etc. when they first opened (plus I had misunderstood that they were going to be a creole/cajan restaurant and was VERY disappointed when I saw they weren't). Restaurant is owned by conglomerate that owns Mangia, Log Jam, The Butcher Block and Bountiful Breads.

First, the decor is very sophisticated and modern, earth tones, open view kitchen (liked it), clientele was "stuffy money" like the rest of Stuyvesant. Menu was set for lunch with small plate entrees, big plate entrees, salads, soups, upscale sandwiches, decent wine & dessert list. Drinks, non-alcoholic ordered, then cold bread (from Bountiful Breads, not a bad loaf just COLD) brought over (usually a kiss of death for me at a restaurant).

I had a small plate for an app. It was the polenta with mushroom ragout and buffalo mozzarella. Simple and Very Good.

We had two specials for dinner, both were big plates.

She had double cooked pork ribs (which were rotisserie cooked and then braised), a side of black bean chile and fries. Ribs were very tender, zesty, tangy sauced (lightly), chile was like a compote. All WOW Very Good.

I had the veal shank with risotto in a red wine demi-glaze. Veal was very tender, not as fatty as expected, risotto creamy and rich, glaze rough but not overpowering. All WOW Excellent.

Was full but did share creme brule'e at end. Very Good.

Bit pricey, (Stuyvesant crowd, you know) $66 and change. Wait staff was happy, helpful, quick, efficient and not bothersome (22% tip).

Extra special for the guys: Men's Bathroom was first and equipt w/ a 26 inch HD LCD TV on the wall over the urinal.

Bottomline: Four out of Five Stars. Was very happy to have gone (despite EVIL cold bread and I want to be on an e-mail list when the special is veal shank) and will go again.