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We, three of us, had lunch here on Wednesday. My husband and our 90 year old friend who was excited to find this place in his neighborhood. It is a lovely spot esp for lunch, the river, the windows, the atmosphere is super. We were very happy to have chosen Cafe Gitane. The problem was two hours later, then 3 and 4. We were not well. The merguez that came with my couscous were dried up. They could've been made of anything, cardboard with seasoning. the couscous itself wasn't fresh and yes it was dry. My husband had the meatballs which tasted pretty good but left him feeling bad for hours. I called to tell the manager they should check out how long the chef is keeping the food around. The woman who answered was not pleasant. This should be a wonderful spot to go to repeatedly but I would only try a salad after that lunch. Six o'clock I was still ill. (no alcohol by the way) Yuk.

The best place I know of in Manhattan for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner. Happily it is in the old meat market area. Well chosen background music plays at comfortable levels as are the banquettes - comfortable that is. There are still artifacts from the original hundred year old high ceiling room, also an alligator on the wall. The late king of Morocco looks on from his throne. His presence here authenticates the amazing mint tea. No one here rushes you. The servers are excellent, really caring that you liked your meal. My couscous was on the dry side, a mild letdown. The desserts are killer, for example the banana cream pie with sugar crystalized creme brulee style. They make a to die for chocolate bread pudding from leftover croissants. The coffee rocks, and they serve baked eggs with smoked salmon. Dip your bread into the yolk, and you're at heaven's door. I know this restaurant will be discovered, mobbed, and after the rush dwindles, it will remain on everyones a-list.

The old Hotel Jane has always been tired and beat up looking. The theater here has been the site of notable plays such as "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", awful night spots such as Socialista, and an SRO flop house hotel. The Titanic survivors spent their first days here when their ships arrived in New York. We had brunch and dinner here in one weekend. The sun pours into the room from the high, arched windows. The walls are painted a restful green, just like those found in the finer homes of Tuscany. Music plays but it's well chosen, and not obtrusive. The menu is inexpensive, with hints of Morocco, south of France, and brings you back to the seventies. For dessert we decided to share the warm, chocolate bread pudding made with croissants left over from brunch and ordered a second one. Deep, dangerous puddles of dark chocolate, gobs of fresh whipped cream. We swooned. We sensed a big hit coming, and are happy to be here before the mobs discover it, They will I'm certain.

so excited for this new addition to the hood. Far west village needed it badly! Excellent food, great cafe. Just like the one in Nolita. Will be a regular here!