{"id":28146,"date":"2022-07-28T13:07:45","date_gmt":"2022-07-28T13:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/gitano-island-is-nycs-newest-immensely-disappointing-scam\/"},"modified":"2022-07-28T13:07:45","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T13:07:45","slug":"gitano-island-is-nycs-newest-immensely-disappointing-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/gitano-island-is-nycs-newest-immensely-disappointing-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Gitano Island&#8217; is NYC&#8217;s newest &#8216;immensely disappointing scam&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module alignleft\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>It was supposed to be one of this summer&#8217;s hottest spots, but it&#8217;s leaving customers cold. <\/p>\n<p>The opening of Gitano Island \u2014 an offshoot of a popular bar and restaurant in Tulum that has long had sceney seasonal pop-ups in downtown NYC \u2014 was breathlessly anticipated.  Founder James Gardner told The Post he was transporting 350 tons of sand and 500 tropical plants across the East River to set the mood at the Governors Island beach club. <\/p>\n<p>But those who have taken the $4 ferry ride to Gitano Island say it&#8217;s no paradise. <\/p>\n<p>Paul Yoon, a 33-year-old who lives in Williamsburg and works in data analytics, went to Gitano with four friends to celebrate the Fourth of July.  They&#8217;d seen ads for the place on Instagram advertising a high-end classy beach club \u2014 the kind where Lindsay Lohan might try jumping on stage to DJ \u2014 and wanted to explore things to do on Governors Island.  The group arrived 15 minutes early to their reservation and were made to wait despite there being \u201cmany, many empty tables,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>Things only got worse from there.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption>Gitano opened on Governors Island this summer, signing a five-year contract to run from Memorial Day to the end of October. <\/figcaption><figcaption><span class=\"credit\">Instagram\/Gitano.nyc<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/gitano_nyc_283699035_766497491382464_8683821269249025939_n.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Gitano Island\" class=\"wp-image-23228448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/gitano_nyc_283699035_766497491382464_8683821269249025939_n.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1535 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/gitano_nyc_283699035_766497491382464_8683821269249025939_n.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/gitano_nyc_283699035_766497491382464_8683821269249025939_n.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=512 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>The pop-up of the iconic ritzy beach club in Tulum, Mexico was advertised as a high-end bohemian beach club, but has left many customers feeling catfished. <\/figcaption><figcaption><span class=\"credit\">Instagram\/Gitano.nyc<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When the group ordered around 2 pm, the kitchen was out of ceviche and hamburgers.  Instead they were forced to opt for a tiny portion of guacamole for $24, a sad watermelon salad for $18, an $18 miniscule avocado toast, sloppy $18 huevos rancheros and $32 grilled prawns with tortillas that Yoon told The Post smelled \u201cweird\u201d and had a texture reminiscent of \u201ccardboard.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>They also enjoyed watery $21 cocktails and a $16 Ginger Mint mocktail that \u201ctasted like lemon concentrate\u201d and \u201chad [to be mixed] with water just to make it drinkable.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>In total, the five friends spent $450 but left feeling \u201chungry\u201d and \u201ccheated,\u201d Yoon told The Post.  His experience was so miserable, he felt compelled to spread the word and wrote his first ever Google review: \u201cTerrible and wo n&#8217;t ever come again,\u201d was how Yoon concluded his write-up. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island015.jpg?resize=618%2C824&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Watermelon salad and guacamole at Gitano Island\" class=\"wp-image-23228471\" width=\"618\" height=\"824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island015.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1236 1236w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island015.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=927 927w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island015.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=618 618w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island015.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=309 309w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island015.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>Many people have complained online about their terrible food including the $18 watermelon salad and $24 guacamole. <\/figcaption><figcaption><span class=\"credit\">Paul Yoon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island016.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Avocado toast at Gitano Island\" class=\"wp-image-23228523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island016.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1536 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island016.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1152 1152w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island016.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=768 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island016.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=384 384w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island016.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>Visitors have also noted the tiny portions, especially the high price of the limited food options such as the $18 avocado toast. <\/figcaption><figcaption><span class=\"credit\">Paul Yoon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island013.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Huevos Rancheros at Gitano Island\" class=\"wp-image-23228491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island013.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1536 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island013.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island013.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=512 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>Complaints of bad service, long waits and unavailable menu options also fill the online reviews and social media comments. <\/figcaption><figcaption><span class=\"credit\">Paul Yoon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Other reviews are also quite negative, describing the restaurant as \u201ca crypto scam,\u201d a \u201clovely venue with zero vibe,\u201d \u201cliterally a hot mess,\u201d \u201cimmensely disappointing and overpriced,\u201d \u201cclearly a ghost town\u201d and \u201ctotally pointless \u201d  In addition to the poorly executed, expensive food and drink, reviewers note that members of the staff are rude, construction is happening right next to the tables and reservations do not seem to matter even when plenty of tables are empty.<\/p>\n<p>And just like all the Instagram influencers it was hoping to attract, the pictures of Gitano Island are very misleading with one Yelp reviewer noting the \u201cmakeshift pond\u201d he expected to be a pool from the strategically angled photos.   <\/p>\n<p>\u201cRun away With the upmost urgency!\u201d  Vincent OuYoung warned. <\/p>\n<p>  \u201cWe felt catfished,\u201d Anthony Franco wrote. <\/p>\n<p>There are also positive reviews, but many have been left by users with no previous reviews, making their authenticity seem questionable.  The Gitano Group did not reply to The Post for a comment. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island012.jpg?resize=1024%2C767&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Empty Gitano Island on the Fourth of July\" class=\"wp-image-23228499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island012.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1535 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island012.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/Gitano_Island012.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all&amp;w=512 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><figcaption>Paul Yoon arrived at Gitano Island on the Fourth of July expecting a popping beach club, but was left wandering around the empty space after his disappointing meal. <\/figcaption><figcaption><span class=\"credit\">Paul Yoon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Yoon was \u201cextremely disappointed\u201d after his \u201cawful\u201d meal and wandered around the large area after eating trying to decide his next move as the few other tables finished their meals.  \u201cNo one was dancing,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>Gitano Island signed a five-year contract to run from Memorial Day to the end of October at their Governors Island location, but we&#8217;ll see if they can scheme their way through this summer. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It was supposed to be one of this summer&#8217;s hottest spots, but it&#8217;s leaving customers cold. The opening of Gitano Island \u2014 an offshoot of a popular bar and restaurant in Tulum that has long had sceney seasonal pop-ups in downtown NYC \u2014 was breathlessly anticipated. Founder James Gardner told The Post he was transporting &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/gitano-island-is-nycs-newest-immensely-disappointing-scam\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">&#8216;Gitano Island&#8217; is NYC&#8217;s newest &#8216;immensely disappointing scam&#8217;<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[4],"tags":[12414,12415,52,1758,4809],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":25117,"url":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/z100-radio-dj-crystal-rosas-has-a-wild-dating-life-in-nyc\/","url_meta":{"origin":28146,"position":0},"title":"Z100 radio DJ Crystal Rosas has a wild dating life in NYC","date":"July 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"If anyone understands the challenges of dating in New York, it's Z100 afternoon radio DJ Crystal Rosas. 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