Dan's Papers - June 19, 2009

Last Saturday, my visit to Manhattan turned out to be a most pleasant surprise. My son took me to one of his favorite, and now one of my favorite, restaurants that gave me that good "at home" feeling. If you know me, you know there had to be dogs there. The name of the restaurant is Fetch. I would have called it Come, Sit, Stay because once you experience the welcoming ambiance you'll come back again and again.

There is something related to our extended canine family members everywhere you look. Patrons have their dogs by their sides in the outdoor seating area. Dogs eagerly hoping and waiting to be adopted were being played with and hugged by visitors and neighborhood children. The restaurant tells a story and conveys that "we will love and protect our canine friends in any way we can" feeling. Upon entering Fetch, we were greeted as though we'd been friends forever, and I can say with utmost confidence, I'm sure we will be.

Adam Powers, owner and executive chef of Fetch, has dedicated his restaurant to man's best friend. The walls are covered with heart-warming photos of neighborhood dogs. There are statues, tchotchkes, memorabilia - everything and anything that relates to dogs. Co-owner and General Manager Britt Johnson has created the "Adoption Wall" which is adorned with photos of animals awaiting adoption from Animal Haven, the Humane Society and Stray from the Heart rescue. On the first Sunday of each month, the Animal Haven adoption van is parked in front of Fetch. The restaurant also hosts benefits for Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Humane Society of New York, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animal Haven.

Fetch's mission statement is: "Fetch, the perfect place to find your new best friend while being treated like one of ours...we are dedicated in our pursuit to find permanent loving homes for the many unfortunate stray dogs of New York." Adam Powers said, "Our goal is to make as many friends as possible and to save the lives of as many dogs as well."

Putting my love for dogs aside, if I had to write a restaurant critique, I'd have to tell you that Fetch has great food, good service, and is immaculate. The restaurant is nicely decorated, comfortable, reasonably priced, friendly and is a genuinely nice place to eat on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Before I talk about the menu, I must tell you that even though I am a salad lover, I couldn't resist their French fries. I don't know what Powers' secret is, but I had to have them. The menu includes favorites like Baked Mac & Cheese, fabulous hamburgers, and of course turkey burgers, open faced sandwiches, salads, pastas, and an outstanding selection of choices for brunch. The eggs and lox dishes are worth the trip. The food is made only of quality ingredients, and is always fresh. Whether you are a soup and salad person like me, or love that down home American Mom's Meatloaf, you won't go wrong with whatever you order...and the portions are large enough to - yes! - take home a doggie bag too.