he prospect of following in an eminent parent's footsteps is typically daunting, but even more terrifying when the parent in question is American chef extraordinaire, Larry Forgione. His son, Marc Forgione, is unfazed. Rather than sidestepping his father's shadow by pursuing an entirely disparate interest - skydiving instructor? - Marc has entered the epicurean fray in earnest with his first restaurant, Forge.

The nascent resto is unassumingly situated on a quiet residential street in TriBeCa. However, don't let the humble location get your guard down: you're in for a refined dining experience that's both impressive and inclusive.

The homey and vibrant room draws heavily on discovered materials from a bygone era. Look for subtle accents like 1857 shutters, antique wooden shelving, an exposed elevator shaft, and dog-eared vintage cookbooks. Black leather banquettes and spacious communal tables round-out the still-evolving aesthetic. Go now before a Starbucks is inevitably opened, then closed, up the street.

Focusing on modern American cuisine, Marc has faced his father's reputation head on. While only 29 years old, Forgione has a lifetime of kitchen experience from which to draw; it shows.