In Vino

REVIEW

June 29, 2009


CUISINE: Italian, Wine Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

 

215 E. 4th St between avenues A and B

(p) 212-539-1011

We were quick to compliment the young owners of In Vino for the cavernous, rustic interior of their restaurant-- complete with arched ceilings and wooden floors.  “Oh thanks-- but it was like this when we bought it.”  That pretty much sums up the attitude of this cozy Italian restaurant and wine bar: laid-back and easygoing without sacrificing quality or charm. 

 

The only unpleasant moment of the evening was our argument over appetizers (note: the waitstaff is patient).  The list is so extensive that you could build a meal of small plates.  The fried artichoke was a perfect salty starter, and the toppings on the bruschetta, from chopped asparagus to the standard tomato basil combo, were incredibly fresh.  The bresaola and arugula salad sated Frankie’s constant craving for cured meats without filling him up for the main event.

 


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Posted in FOOD on June 29, 2009 9:05am by Madeline | 1 comment





Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria

REVIEW

March 26, 2009


CUISINE: Italian, Pizza, Wine Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenwich Village, West Village

 

 

1 5th Ave at 8th street

(p) 212-995-9559

 

If you want a taste of Mario Batali's cooking but can't afford (or forgot to call a month in advance) for a reservation at Babbo or Lupa, Otto Pizzeria is a fantastic spot for pizza, pastas, and vino.  To start off your meal order a bottle of wine and a slew of Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetable antipasti like the  brussels sprouts and vin cotto-- it's phenomenal and kid-friendly.  Pastas like the classic Alla Norma with tomato, roasted eggplant, basil and bufala ricotta are made with the freshest ingredients and are only $9. If you're not in the mood for pasta, thin pizzas are done up with homemade sauce and flavorful, lingering, thinly-sliced meats.  The classic pepperoni pizza is among the best...

 


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Posted in FOOD on March 26, 2009 8:05pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





Doma

March 10, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Sandwiches, Wine Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenwich Village, West Village

DOMA

17 Perry Street at Seventh Avenue

(212) 929-4339

 

With an efficient use of space, great food and an exceptional location, this intimate cafe is the perfect place for socializing, people watching, or cranking out that dreaded final paper.  Large bay windows let you take in the village scene when you need a break from looking at your computer, while the rustic-style furniture makes for a cozy interior.  The walls are a frequently changing art gallery, and there is a communal bookshelf if you need something to distract yourself from the attractive person on the other side of the room.  The food is not your standard cafe food, but combines high-quality ingredients with a european twist.  Our friend and contributing art writer, Jesse Seegers, recommends the egg and gruyere sandwich on a baguette.  Beware: your deli’s greasy egg and cheese will never taste the same.  Between the sizeable menu, free wifi, and wine and beer selection, you may never leave. 


Posted in FOOD on March 10, 2009 2:15pm by Madeline | 0 comments





MERCAT

REVIEW

March 3, 2009


CUISINE: Spanish, Tapas, Wine Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Greenwich Village, Noho

45 Bond St between Lafayette and Bowery

(p) 212-529-8600

 

(Patates Braves)

 

Monday morning I awoke, like the rest of Manhattan, to find a blizzard outside my window. The wind was howling, snow was accumulating, and the temperature was 16 degrees but felt like 2. At dinner time, the streets of NYC were empty, and so was Mercat. Upon entering I felt an immediate warmth, despite the high ceilings and almost overwhelming size of the space. The decor is sleek and clean, yet still homey thanks to exposed brick walls, low lighting, and dark wooden tables. While waiting for my friend, I ordered a glass of red wine, which was generous in both size and price ($13)...  

 


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Posted in FOOD on March 3, 2009 4:32pm by Jena Steinbach | 2 comments





TAZZA

REVIEW

February 19, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Desserts & Bakeries, Sandwiches, Wine Bar
NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO

311 Henry St Between Atlantic Ave and State St

(p) 718- 243-0487

 

A chalkboard painted wall displays the menu options: cold panini, pressed sandwiches, salads, quiche and savory tarts, and salads.  The salami, goat cheese, and arugala pressed panini is as tasty as can be, while the white bean salad with Italian tuna and wedge of lemon is a simple, fresh option.  Don’t skimp on dessert.  Baked foods like the “chocolate cloud” and homemade whoopee pies taunt you at the cash register. Give in. No computers are allowed between eleven and four, presumably to keep tables moving for neighborhood families dropping by for lunch.  A well stocked wine bar helps transition this little café from day to night. In warmer weather, sparse outdoor seating is provided for a lucky few.  Everything at Tazza is exceptionally fresh and delicious.


Posted in FOOD on February 19, 2009 12:00am by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments