The Pitch and Fork, from the Team Behind Jacques, Opens Tonight on the UES

By James Mulcahy

Anyone who's spent any time walking around the streets of SoHo has likely wandered in to Jacques, a totally comfortable bistro that has provided countless patrons sustenance with their moules frites (and wet plenty of people's whistles with beverages at subterranean bar 1534). The folks who run this eatery are headed to the UES for their latest venture. Dubbed The Pitch & Fork, this take on an American tavern opens tonight on First Avenue. The menu offers beer-and-wine-friendly classics with a French twist, dishes include fried rabbit legs with spicy mayo and "pig trotter tots' with pickled red beet eggs.

As for the decor think old style-saloon, there is a mahogany bar and dark wood throughout the space, and guests can grab a seat at one of the black vinyl banquettes that line the room. There's also a large garden in the back that's covered for use all year and a sidewalk area up front for some alfresco curbside dining. The other good news is that this homey joint offers a late night menu, so diners looking to chow down between 11 PM and 1 AM will now have a solid option in this hood (1606 First Ave.).