i track consumer prices. i am the nyc food critic for bloomberg news. i am ryan sutton.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Torrisi Hikes 20-Course Tasting Menu to $150
Torrisi Italian Specialties on Monday hiked the price of its 4-course menu by $5 to $65. Recall that Mario Carbone & Rich Torrisi’s small NoLita restaurant had been charging $50 until last November, which means the price has jumped 30% in less than a year. Keep in mind that Torrisi, which underwent renovations last autumn, is a bit roomier and boasts a better front-of-the-house staff. It’s definitely STILL A BUY.
Last night I asked Mr. Torrisi via e-mail what prompted the HIKE. Here’s what he had to say: “Reading our P n L Monday morning, for the past 2 months led to the increase, we changed it Monday night…The restaurant (Torrisi) makes about no money, this I promise you. We continue to bolster the staff with talented people and use a higher level of quality ingredient.”
ALSO: Starting on April 16, Torrisi will increase the price of its reservations-only 20-course tasting by $25 to $150. Dinner for two, currently $322 after tax and optional 20% tip, will rise to $387, a total hike of $65. About half the menu will change from the current version, co-owner Rich Torrisi wrote, adding that “extra bites” and an “extra course” will be included. Is the longer menu still a STRONG BUY? Indeed it is, based on an excellent mid-December visit.
More Reading:
1. Contemplating Torrisi’s Previous $10 Hike.
2. The Price Hike’s Even Steven Interview with Mario Carbone
3. New York Magazine Declares Torrisi “Best Tasting Menu.”
