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 | 13 comments





Waterfalls Café

REVIEW

February 18, 2009


CUISINE: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO

144 Atlantic Ave at Clinton St

(P) 718-488-8886

 

My friend Liza and I stopped by Waterfalls Café on a weeknight at seven and were the only people in the restaurant.  What bothered me more than being the sole customers was the temperature of the place.  It was about 35 degrees outside and definitely colder indoors, leading me to conclude that the heat was not on.  To cope with the chill, I wore my jacket and scarf while eating, trying to avoid colliding with humos.  The restaurant décor is not very welcoming; an excessive amount of grandma lamps dangle from the ceiling, the woman at the cash register is constantly answering and then slamming down the phone, and the food is rather unappetizingly displayed in

 


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Posted in FOOD on February 18, 2009 8:40pm by Jena Steinbach | 11 comments





CAFE BRAMA

REVIEW

February 15, 2009


CUISINE: Brunch, Coffeehouse, Mediterranean
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village

 

157 2nd Ave at 10th Street

(p) 212- 358- 7140

 

The owners are jerks, but we still come back because the brunch is one of the best.  With a menu that satisfies both the salty and sweet-toothed customer, the slightly inflated prices are well worth it.  The French toast with fresh berries is doused with powdered sugar and maple syrup.  The omelets and eggs are cooked expertly.  The bread is fresh, fresh, fresh. If you’re looking for a boozy brunch spot this isn’t the place, but if you want to soak your morning hangover into some killer French toast, then welcome.

 


Posted in FOOD on February 15, 2009 8:42pm by Jena Steinbach | 4 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 | 16 comments