"Opened in 1985 by a then‑27‑year‑old, this longstanding restaurant became a New York dining institution with an American‑ and Italian‑influenced menu built around seasonal produce from the nearby greenmarket; its congenial, service‑first approach helped shape modern hospitality norms, and after its original location closed due to a rent hike it reopened a few blocks away in 2016, paving the way for the operator’s broader restaurant empire." - ByAli Francis