The Clerkenwell - 49 Clinton b/tw Rivington & Stanton

UrbanDaddy is spreading urban myths. Clerkenwell is no Spotted Pig and while attempting to be a gastro-pub, it's barely even a pub. I do need to be lenient, as tonight was only their 4th night in operation, but it kinda showed. The staff had no idea what was on the menu, it was an eternity before we got even a drink and, despite a reservation for 12, they had us squeezed into a table that, maybe on a good day, was supposed to seat 8. Nevertheless, the food was actually not so bad - nowhere near the caliber of Spotted Pig, of course (the gnudi and blue cheese burger - my true loves in this world) but not bad grub all around. Not a whole lot of ambience in the place, but a few outdoor tables, which might count for something. I might be getting too old for the lower east side, but ultimately, for me, this was a step up from savoring lunch from the Dosa-man in Washington Square Park and that's about it. Watch, it will be the hottest place among the 25+ crowd within the next month.