The perennial favorite of the dining-and-dancing crowd, Nell's ruled its lonely stretch of West 14th Street for over 15 years. Now stiff competition has arrived, at least as far as eating is concerned. Opening a few doors east, Crispo was instantly thronged with scenesters prepared to worship a Lupa-like trattoria that offered prosciutto sliced on a hand-cranked machine, decent pastas, modish grilled pizzas, and hanger steak, all from behind an ornate facade that looked like a Moulin Rouge set. A week later, and with far less fanfare, Kloe debuted across the street. While the food at Crispo is entirely likable, Kloe offers a brainier menu that takes culinary chances—ultimately producing more memorable meals, though it's still fighting to garner its share of the... More >>>