Manuel (Manny) Colon recently opened his new restaurant, Manny’s Bistro at 225 Columbus Avenue, between 70th and 71st Streets. This space was formerly occupied by the popular eatery Bistro Cassis, a restaurant he managed from 1995 until it closed this past May.
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A new outdoor awning, set to be installed soon, will be in this same oxblood color.
A portion of the interior of Manny’s Bistro also featured oxblood cushions. When he spoke about the ambiance, Manny was excited to announce “This is my living room, a place where people come to share stories.”
The “living room” reflects his profound attention to detail and his pride in quality. Table tops within the space are made from the highest grade of marble.
As for wall decor, Manny will be putting up more but is pleased to have included pieces people have given him. He admitted that when he managed Bistro Cassis, he was not given license to select wall art. However, now that he’s the owner, he is thrilled to be making the choices.
The menu at Manny’s Bistro will include some of the items Bistro Cassis served, as evidenced in the menus hand drawn by Manny.
As with the decor, Manny is excited to have the full say in choosing the best and freshest food.
As of now, Manny’s Bistro does not have a liquor license, though he has applied for one.
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Be that as it may, the upbeat Manny is happy to say the place will be “better than ever” and his loyal team of workers will remain with him.
Manny’s Bistro will be open everyday and will offer brunch on weekends.
Quite a number of people (probably an understatement) are thrilled that Manny is able to do any of this. During our talk, a number of people stopped by to wish him well and express their admiration for his inspiring perseverance and kind heart — which is a fairly new organ for him, as he had the heart that he was born with replaced in February of 2019.
In a late 2019 interview with ABC, Manny stated that he “always had a big heart, literally my enlarged heart … now it’s a regular size, but it’s still big and warm.”
Upper West Siders are fortunate to have him in our midst and are looking forward to spending time in his “living room” or in his outdoor cafe.
I’m not that wealthy.
Maybe the prices are high because he cant serve a full restaurant. Fingers crossed that the prices will come down when we are done with this plague
Prices are simliar to Bistro Cassis before the pandemic hit.
Congrats, Manny! Wishing you much success.
Best news today!
Excited to see Manny back with the bistro. I true sign of life on the UWS.
So happy for Manny and the UWS.
I’d love to come check it out. He clearly had a true passion, but the prices are out of touch for most people. Especially during these times. I’m sure the food is great but like some other UWS dining establishments (The Consulate and the now defunct Red Rooster) it’s potentially going to be a problem.
Was sad to see the close of Bistro Cassis and so glad to see this opening and happy everyone is still on board. Will be visiting on next trip to NYC.
Manny and his staff are among the best on the UWS!! The food is awesome! Break a leg fellow heart patient!!
I’m so glad it is reopened. I would go there for lunch as a treat to myself after I went to the NY Historical Museum. I’m a native New Yorker who likes to go to museums and other places for vacation. Cassis had the best onion soup and I’m glad Manny is keeping it on the menu. Their crepes were good too. Maybe he’ll add that to the menu. Why go to a French restaurant for a burger?
Great dinner for Valentine’s Day 2021. Breast of duck out of this world! Excellent table service ? so glad Manny is back.
Awesome dinner for Valentine’s Day 2021!!!
Just discovered this “neighborhood gem” last night, walking home from the Met Opera (outdoors). We love French bistros and so were incredibly happy to find this spot. We had a delicious late night meal of wine, brie and jam on toast, moules marinière, salad niçoise and warm bread. Everything was perfect including the hospitality and service. We will be back soon!