Extra Virgin

REVIEW

July 21, 2009


CUISINE: French, Italian, Mediterranean
NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenwich Village, West Village

 

259 W 4th St Between Charles and Perry St

(p) 212-691-9359

 

Basing our opinion on a number of meals at the restaurant, we’ve concluded that at EXTRA VIRGIN, a bad meal is hard to come by.  The Roasted Artichoke Parmesan, served with pancetta, poached egg and hollandaise, is a lovely light dish during the summer months and we have yet to find a risotto that beats their winter offering which is served in a miniature pumpkin so supple you can cut it with your fork. The West Fourth Street spot doesn’t take reservations and gets quite crowded, so give yourself enough time to enjoy a glass of wine at the bar or to stroll through the idyllic surrounding blocks...

 


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Posted in FOOD on July 21, 2009 12:42pm by Rachel Hochhauser | 24 comments





Schiller's Liquor Bar

REVIEW

May 5, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), French
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

 

131 Rivington St at Norfolk

(p) 212- 260- 4555

 

Schillers looks and feels a lot like McNally's other joints-- mirrored walls, tiled floors, yellowish lighting, loud music. What distinguishes it from the pack is the affordably priced food, lively cocktails, and raucous bar scene.  The wine list is idiot-proof, organized into three categories: cheap, decent and good. Salty fries with homemade mayo are the perfect addition to any meal or beer. Young, uniformed staff serve dishes like seared tuna salad, garlicky shrimp, and charred burgers which are quite good, and served late--the kitchen stays open until 1am Mon-Wed, 2am Thurs, 3am Fri-Sunday.  Oh, and brunch includes an assortment of Balthazar breads and pastries. 

 


Posted in FOOD on May 5, 2009 2:20pm by Frankie Celenza | 14 comments





Prune

REVIEW

April 28, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch, French
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

 

 

54 East 1st street between 1st and 2nd Ave

(p) 212-677-6221

 

Inspired by my favorite food blogger, Adam Roberts (of the Amateur Gourmet), Seth made a reservation at Prune for my birthday dinner. The space is  tiny-- all of the tables are practically touching and there is minimal navigational room-- but the French-inspired atmosphere (lots of mirrors, tiled floors, low-lighting) renders an intimate decor. My only complaint of the evening arose within the first two minutes: Prune does not serve bread, but oddly flavored breadsticks. For an appetizer, we tried the sauteed onion special which had the consistency and flavor of french onion soup, minus the broth.  The salty, tender onions and crunchy pieces of bread were quite tasty...

 


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Posted in FOOD on April 28, 2009 10:55am by Jena Steinbach | 11 comments





CAFE GITANE

REVIEW

February 11, 2009


CUISINE: Diner, French, Mediterranean, Moroccan
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Soho

242 Mott St Btwn Prince & Houston St

(p) 212-334-9552

 

There are few things more enjoyable than people-watching in Nolita on a beautiful New York day, and Cafe Gitane makes sure that you don't go hungry while doing so.  The self-described French, Mediterranean and Moroccan style diner makes cute sexy again, with waitresses in matching green dresses and charming, flea-market style flatware.    The menu caters to all diners: the less adventurous can't go wrong with a mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich; the arugula, beet, apple, and walnut salad for the health inclined; and the baked pasta with roasted tomatoes, gorgonzola and breadcrumbs for the more indulgent (our waitress suggested that we add prosciutto-- cute AND smart).  

 


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Posted in FOOD on February 11, 2009 9:51pm by Jena Steinbach | 20 comments