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Photo: Erin Guy<\/p>\n
When Ken and Jill Halberg opened Willet\u2019s Corner<\/a> at 420 Amsterdam Avenue last November, they brought with them something the Upper West Side can always use more of: a restaurant that genuinely feels like it belongs here.<\/p>\n The Halbergs are no strangers to building beloved neighborhood spots \u2014 they previously owned Harding\u2019s, the much-loved Flatiron restaurant that earned a devoted following over the years. Now, with Willet\u2019s Corner anchored at the corner of West 80th Street, they\u2019re doing it all over again with a chef-driven menu inspired by Hudson Valley cooking styles and a commitment to using no processed ingredients \u2014 and the neighborhood has already taken notice.<\/p>\n The dinner menu at Willet\u2019s Corner is the kind that makes it hard to pick a favorite \u2014 and apparently hard to stop ordering from. Fig Toast and an Umami Salad make for a compelling start, while Fresh Pastas \u2014 including an Artichoke Ravioli \u2014 have become early standouts.<\/p>\n Photo: Patrick Dolande<\/p>\n Photo: Patrick Dolande<\/p>\n For heartier appetites, the Pan Roasted Branzino and Slow Braised Short Ribs have been drawing fans, and the French Dip has quietly become a go-to as well.<\/p>\n Photo: Patrick Dolande<\/p>\n Photo: Patrick Dolande<\/p>\n Brunch has its own star: the Cinnamon Bun Pancakes<\/a>, which are exactly as indulgent as they sound and already something of a weekend ritual for regulars.<\/p>\n On the cocktail side<\/a>, the bar program is doing serious work. The Brown Butter Old Fashioned is a rich, warming riff on a classic, and the Dirty Chai Espresso Martini has found a devoted audience among those who like their after-dinner drinks to pull double duty. The Seasonal Spiced Pear Margarita (pictured below) has been a winter favorite \u2014 though as spring arrives, it\u2019s making way for something new (keep reading).<\/p>\n Photo: Patrick Dolande<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t had a reason to stop in on a weekday yet, here\u2019s one: Willet\u2019s Corner recently launched a happy hour running from 4:30 to 6 p.m., with beer, wine, select cocktails, and shareable bites.<\/p>\n As the weather warms up, Willet\u2019s Corner is evolving right along with the season \u2014 and there\u2019s a lot to look forward to. Outdoor seating is on the way, and the restaurant\u2019s windows will open to create a seamless inside-outside environment that\u2019s going to make warm evenings on Amsterdam feel a little more special.<\/p>\n Photo: Erin Guy<\/p>\n The cocktail menu is getting a full spring refresh. The Spicy Passionfruit Margarita takes over from the winter\u2019s beloved Spiced Pear Margarita, and an entire Spritz menu is arriving: Yuzu (Lemon) Spritz, Fragola Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Apple Ginger Spritz, and the classic Aperol Spritz \u2014 plus non-alcoholic spritz options for those who want in on the fun without the alcohol<\/a>.<\/p>\n The food menu is keeping pace. Spring additions will include a Charcuterie and Cheese Board featuring locally sourced products from the Hudson Valley, a Casarecce Pasta with Lemon, Ricotta and Asparagus, and a Hickory Smoked Steak.<\/p>\n Willet\u2019s Corner is located at 420 Amsterdam Avenue at the corner of West 80th Street. For menus, hours, and reservations, visit willetscorner.com<\/a> (you can also book a table on Resy<\/a>).<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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