Marc Vetri is rocking-and-rolling at 13th and Waverly Streets as workers put the final touches on his Roman trattoria, Amìs.
Vetri says the health inspection is due Wednesday (12/30) and first public service will be Jan. 14*. Unlike many other restaurateurs, Vetri wants to get the kinks out before he opens.
And speaking of Kinks: The rustic 70-seater, which boasts a dull zinc bar, industrial-look exposed ceiling/walls, and more reclaimed pine than you can shake a stick at, will have a rock-and-roll soundtrack. Vetri explains that all the better Roman trattorias, which he's modeling this on, play American classic rock. (The name Amìs -- pronounced Ah-MEES -- is dialect for "friends" in Lombardy, where Vetri studied.)
Here are a few details and rough photos:
- Small-plate menu.
- Check average will be in the high $40s, compared with $65 for his Osteria and -- as he says -- "phew!" for his flagship, Vetri.
- Wine list of 12 reds and 12 whites plus a half-dozen beers on tap.
- Oversize dining bar at the open kitchen.
- Vetri chef Brad Spence behind the line.
- Construction by Ofer Shlomo, the wizard behind Zahav, Percy Street, and Osteria.
* moved up