MadParkNews.com, covering New York City's Madison Square Park & Flatiron

Building on the great success of ABC Kitchen, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Cocina is reportedly set to open April 15th in the old Pipa space (38 East 19th Street). ABC Cocina is slated to feature Latin dishes featuring local ingredients and it sounds like it may be almost tapas-style small plates and paella, but we have yet to see a menu. Just like at ABC Kitchen (through the building and/or around the corner at 35 East 18th St), once again Jean-Georges has partnered with Phil Suarez at ABC Cocina.

We can not wait to try ABC Cocina and will post a menu as soon as we get it.

MadParkNews readers have selected Eleven Madison Park as the Best Restaurant near Madison Square Park for 2012. Considering Chef Daniel Humm’s restaurant is considered one of the best in the world (3 Michelin stars, #10 in the world), this should come as no surprise. On its heels in the voting were Almond, Gramercy Tavern, and ABC Kitchen.

We are very lucky to have such a great restaurant right next to Madison Square Park. And honestly, every restaurant that was nominated is worth trying.

Here are the full results:

One of the best restaurants in the country, Jean-George’s ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th Street), has an open call for all front of house positions (Servers, bartenders, backwaiters, barbacks, baristas, hosts, maitre d, runners, etc) today starting at 10am.

Pipa (38 East 19th Street), the tapas spot on the north side of the ABC home store, will close in August and be replaced by a new restaurant called ABC Cocina in October reports Grubstreet. ABC Cocina will serve “paella, croquettas, a lot of small plates” and will be under the helm of Jean-Georges. Of course, Jean Georges has had huge success and acclaim with ABC Kitchen, on the other side of the ABC store.

More to come as we get it!

New York Daily News reports that President Obama will be in town Thursday for a pair of fundraising events, including a dinner in our neighborhood at ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th Street) and a reception at ABC Carpet & Home.

The dinner is said to be invite-only and include “Diane von Furstenberg, Deepak Chopra, Eileen Fisher, Russell Simmons and Adrian Grenier”.

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is upon us. Here are some options in the Flatiron and Madison Square Park neighborhood. (Let us know if we are missing one!)

ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th St): Offering a $700 Valentine’s Day Dinner with Chef Jean-Georges, where you can mingle with him and enjoy cocktails followed by a 7 course menu. Wine pairing included as well as a copy of his latest book, Home Cooking with Jean-Georges: My Favorite Simple Recipes. Restricted to Amex Platinum members. RSVP at https://www295.americanexpress.com/entertainmentaccess/home.

Almond Restaurant (12 East 22nd Street): Four course ‘Blood Orange’ menu for $70/person. You can see the menu items at http://www.almondrestaurant.com/img/VALENTINE_2012_SPLASH.jpg. They will also have the a la carte menu available. Get your rez at www.opentable.com/almond-new-york.

Asellina (420 Park Ave South inside the Gansevoort Park Hotel): Special Valentine’s day menu items in addition to a la carte. Plus a Baci Cocktail, GODIVA Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, and a Gold Ballotin (more chocolate). See the menu at www.facebook.com/notes/asellina/be-our-valentine-3/281179471941227 . Also up on the rooftop from 7-1opm get one free Hanky Pank punch for each lady and listen to sounds by DJ Martial. Call 212-317-2908 for more info.

Ben & Jack’s Steak House (255 Fifth Avenue): Special 5 course prix-fixe menu for $75.95 per person including a glass of Champagne and a rose. See the menu at http://www.benandjackssteakhouse.com/vday.html.

Biriera (200 5th Avenue): a special 4-course tasting menu for $75/person, or dine a la carte. See the menu and read more at http://eatalyny.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/VALENTINESDAY2012_BIRRERIA1.pdf

Boqueria Flatiron ­ (53 West 19th Street): Shared Menu of Savory Tapas and a Cava Toast served with Dessert $75 per person. More at http://www.boquerianyc.com/new.html.

The Breslin (20 West 29th Street): They are making an exception and taking reservations on Valentine’s Day. Reserve at valentines @thebreslin.com.

Ciano (45 East 22nd Street) : 4-course menu for $95/person that features dishes like a pappardelle with wild boar bolognese (212-982-8422).

Duo Restaurant (72 Madison Avenue): 4-course pre-fixe menu. (212) 686-7272 for more info.

Eataly (200 5th Avenue): They will accept reservations on V day at Eataly, with a $50 four course prix fixe at Le Verdure, a $75 four course prix fixe at il Pesce, and a $75 four course prix fixe at La Pasta La Pizza. View the menus at www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=324081974302885&set=a.134561659921585.13914.128969973814087&type=1

Flute Gramercy (40 East 20th Street): There is a $25 per person minimum and your $25 pre-payment will be applied as a credit to your guest check. Details at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2672765313

Gravy (32 East 21st Street): A 4 course prix fixe menu and a a Complimentary Glass of Champagne! $75/person. Check out the menu at www.gravyny.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Valentines-Menu.pdf.

Incognito Bistro (30 West 18th Street) : A special four course prix fixe menu for $65/person in addition to their regular menu. Check out the Valentine’s day menu at www.incognitobistro.com/valentinesmenu.htm.

John Dory Oyster Bar (1196 Broadway): The John Dory Oyster Bar has a special prix-fixe Valentine’s menu for $75/person. View it at http://thejohndory.com/menu_vday.html. Call for more info at 212-792-9000.

Junoon (27 West 24th Street): A special tasting menu ($95) or vegetarian tasting menu ($70). http://junoonnyc.com

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana (11 Madison Avenue): Special a la carte menu and pisco cocktails. More at www.lamarcebicheria.com/web/index.php

Lulu & Me (253 5th Avenue): For $130 per couple you get 6 drinks, $130 gets you six drinks, Spicy almonds and olives, Shared Crostini, Delicata Squash Salad, Two Medium or Large plates, and a Cookie plate & chocolate. Read more and reserve at http://www.luluand.me/.

Magia (27 East 23rd Street): Well priced at $30/person, Magia offers a special 4-course meal including an aperitif (Bellini or Mimosa). See the menu at http://www.facebook.com/MagiaNewYork?sk=app_160430850678443.

Museum of Sex/Oralfix bar (233 5th Avenue): Extended hours until 10pm with special Valentine’s drinks at the Oralfix bar and some interesting special packages.

Nuela (43 West 24th Street): One of the best Valentine’s Day deals at $35/person for a 3 course menu! Take a look at the choices at www.Nuela.com. Call 212-929-1200 to reserve.

SD26 (19 East 26th Street): Perugina’s Master Chocolatier will create a signature Baci confection and you will get a ‘composition of freshly-made chocolates tableside’, plus a special Fantasia di Baci dessert and a petit cadeau containing two Baci chocolates when you leave.

Zio (17 West 19th Street): Special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $69 (see the full menu at http://www.facebook.com/zioristorante).