captured at the bar - joanne trattoria nyc

Often ignorance is bliss and last night was one of those times.

Having walked in the rain from the Howard Greenberg Gallery to see the Vivian Maier exhibit, a cozy bar to duck into was in order to cut the chill. Something close to 25 Central Park West as the next stop was to attend the PWP’s opening reception, 22 imaginings.  But before I continue, let me tell you a little about both of these events.  First, if you aren’t familiar with Vivian Maier’s work, her photography was recently discovered by a young man (John Maloof) in Chicago.  He came across thousands of rolls of film, prints and negatives of Vivian’s work at a local auction house.  These images were shared with virtually no one in her lifetime.  She was a master of self-portraits and concentrated mainly on children, women, the elderly and the indigent.  Her photography is just incredible.  There’s only a few days left of her exhibit here in the city, so if you’re in the area this is a must see.  Now on to the Cuba exhibit.  Exhibits at 25CPW are always enjoyable and the images captured by 22 incredible photographers’ journey to Cuba did not disappoint. A great space to showcase photography, but very intimate as well.  The talent in this group is mind blowing and I’m so happy to be a member!

OK, now its time to go to the ignorance is bliss part.  There’s a small red awning located on West 68th Street with Joanne written on it.  A glance through the window revealed a warm cozy atmosphere.  Yep, exactly what’s needed to take the chill away.  A grey goose on the rocks fit the bill, and Zack our bartender was excellent with his pour(s).  While chatting, a woman approaches and introduces herself as Cynthia and offers to give us a tour of the restaurant.  Not realizing it upon entry, the restaurant wasn’t officially open yet. Just the bar was “open” and she was so eager to showcase the adorable outside back patio, the chef’s table for private dining, as well as make introductions to the chef and others.  Local, small, warm, a good pour at the bar and a wood fired oven in the kitchen immediately told me a return visit was in order.

So imagine my surprise this morning when I checked out their website (which is still in the works) and made the connection.  This is the restaurant that is owned by Lady Gaga’s parents. Cynthia is her mother.  I am so happy for the ignorance part.  It made the introduction so much more exciting AFTER connecting the dots!  Absolutely, a return visit is in order and if last night’s experience is any indication as to their future success, I can tell you Lady Gaga herself is NOT needed here.  Her parents have it going on! So happy to have this restaurant in the hood here in the Upper West Side.  Stay tuned for a future review!