Apparently, I Live Under a Rock

I love walking past a space, watching people working inside, wondering what the space will become.  Will it be a new fancy restaurant, another starbucks, an urban outfitters, or something I can't even imagine, like this new pizza place called Naked Pizza. 

There is this space on the corner of 14th street and 3rd avenue, where the East Village ends and the general Union Square area begins.  Over the past few months, I knew workers were inside, but had no idea what they were up to.  The outside white bricks gave it a restaurant vibe, more so than a retail space or a new bank.  I would continue on my way to Trader Joe's, and walk past a second space, much smaller with an obvious ordering counter.  This second place opened first, and is now Naked Pizza.  Basically, you decide everything about the pizza.  It starts naked, and you pick the cheese, the toppings, etc.  I haven't had it yet.  The goal seems to put the choice back into pizza ordering, but I am not quite sure that choice was ever removed from pizza ordering.  Maybe you don't pick the crust, but toppings are optional and abundant at most pizza places.  I will go try this Naked Pizza soon and let you know how it turns out. 

Meanwhile, lets get to the rock I live under.  I left the gym this morning and set foot to Trader Joe's.  And finally, the sign is up for the restaurant on 14th and 3rd.  And I could not believe it. 

It is a Five Napkin Burger.  I was shocked.  Why?  I was shocked because I could not believe I did not know about this.  Where have I been?  Has everyone been talking about this?  I googled it.  Apparently, this information become public last February.  That was 11 months ago.  Woops! 

I went to Five Napkin Burger once, two years ago.  You can read about it here.   It was good.  It definitely is in that category of NY burger type chains, like Shake Shack.  I can't say it is a place I would frequent.  A $15 hamburger is more like a treat and not a habit.  Five Napkin Burger is a place that I would think some New Yorkers dislike, due to its chain like tendencies and overcrowded spaces.  But generally, I think it is well received. 

What does this mean for the area?  I wonder what it will do to the business at The Smith.  Although these restaurants have different menus, they both have a gastro pub vibe.  Someone who is looking for a burger may be inclined to go to Five Napkin Burger for the plethora burger types.  But The Smith still has more variety in terms of American cuisine.  I guess we shall see.

So, I apologize for sharing this somewhat old news.  Please forgive me.

Have a delicious day!
NYC Menu Girl