Brilliant chef of The Waverly (and former co-worker of mine), chef John DeLucie is at the consulting helm for the latest, greatest epicurean addition to the West Village, Charles. A departure from DeLucie’s delectable comfort dishes, he has encouraged chef John McAllister to curate a menu from his specialty of lighter, healthy Mediterannean dishes. DeLucie is a consultant on the project and oversees the finalized menu which will be laden with fish and dishes cooked with olive oil as opposed to butter. In addition to heart-friendly fish and olive oil, some pre-opening dishes included seared duck breast with roasted grapes and escarole, braised beef short rib with swiss chard and golden raisins, as well as diver scallops and prawns with fingerling potatoes and saffron. The wine list and select cocktails equally impress with consultation by Keith Goldston, owner of Time Warner Building wine bar, Clo. The interior was designed by Rafael de Cardenas who worked the denizen space into a brilliant rustic and cozy atmosphere. Plush red curtains, marquee bulbs and black-speckled wall mirrors add to the tin-ceiling, dark-floored room. Don’t expect to just show up and wait at the bar though, there are only six seats at the bar and they are not giving out the phone number. You can attempt a touching novella that harkens all emotions of how you absolutely need to experience Charles before you die at: reservations@restaurantcharles.com -but they’ll likely give you the contact of their snaggle-toothed cousin named Charles before they’ll give up a table.

That’s right, it’s time for the Army of M.E. to completely neglect you for the next 48 hours. We’re sorry, but this is the final debate:watch event. This does not mean there won’t be more events….and potentially more neglect. We still love you…