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KEYS: NAME:J. Walman Reviews Bobby Van's Click For Review

212-867-5490 #reviewCopyright 1996 by Punch In International Syndicate. Announcer: Now the Greater 1050 Review featuring Travel, Food and Wine. Every day at about this time, WEVD's restaurant critic, J. Walman, tells us what's hot, what's not, and what's what on the Manhattan restaurant Merry-Go-Round. Where are you taking us today Jay?

Jay:There's a big carved-wood mahogany bar, a huge electrified chandelier, visable temperature-controled wine storage, wood banquettes with mauve fabric and huge vases of flowers and greens at this comfortable steakhouse. The second venue of the successful Bridgehampton team, Bobby Van's is a welcome addition to the New York scene. There's a small room with four tables, bare wood floors and a view of Park Avenue for smokers or private parties and agreeable service as well as a sensible selection of wines with some good choices by the glass. Food is fresh, simple and satisfying. Besides the obligatory shrimp or lobster cocktail, there's a terrific salad which could be shared as anappetizer or make a good lunch entree named after Harry Helmsley and consisting of chopped green beans, shrimp, tomatoes, onions, crumpled-bacon and a lively vinaigrette. Steaks, a Porterhouse for two, three or four for example, are some of the best in town and there are large lobster, specials like swordfish and Frenchified or Italinate concoctions like chicken Francais or shrimp scampi-style for steak-sissies. Vegetables like sauteed spinach and hashbrowns are terrific and my only carp is the perfunctory bread assortment and heavy handed desserts at Bobby Vans, 230 Park Avenue at 46th Street. That's a steakhouse A Minus, I'm Jay Walman for WEVD, New York's Greater 1050.

Announcer: For a free fax of today's show, call 212-755-4363. To receive J. Walman's reviews by computer on the Internet, call The Internet Exchange at (212)-935-3322, that's 932-3322 & mention Punch In International Syndicate.

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TYPICAL DISHES:

Crab cakes; asparagus vinaigrette; caesar salad; lemon pepper shrimp; veal chops; steak a la stone; filet mignon; lamb chops; scallops; creamed spinach; onion rings; cottage fries; bread pudding; rice pudding; pecan pie.

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WINES:35 White: $22-$150. 68 Red: $24-$150. 5 Sparkling:$75-$150.

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In A Nutshell:No nonsense room with bright lights. From Bridgehampton with love. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

DATA:Appetizers: $4.75-$14.50. Entrees:$19-$29.75. Potatoes & vegetables: $5.75-$7.50. Good list with varied international selections, magnums, Chateau De Sales '92:$30. 6 glass wines: $7, Peter McCoy "Clos des Pierres." Napa '93.

Dress:Informal to Jacket. Hours of operation: Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week. Chef: Sous Chef: Pastry Chef: Puddings homemade. Maitre d'Hotel Rick or Joe Contacts:Peter Dichter Joe Phair Joe Smith PR:Rick Passerelli, 4th owner. Ben Benson connection.

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