This fact does not seem to faze the likes of Scott and Jory who each year manage to come up with some of the most unique gifts for us. Last night we actively participated in our gift for this year by dutifully opening box #1 at the appointed hour. Inside was a pop-up paper martini glass along with a "lucky red" Chinese envelope (cute because we're going to China!) containing money. The instructions sent us to an address in the village. We only had a small clue to the name and when the taxi dropped us off at the corner of 7th Ave. and LeRoy, the only indication that we were at the right spot was the small group of people milling about outside the door. No signs and the doors were locked! Could we be at one of those places that only the really "in" crowd knows about ?????? Not wanting to look like we didn't know what we were doing, we too milled about and waited patiently. Promptly at 7:15 pm the door swung open and we followed the crowd down some rather steep, dark stairs to what was definitely a 'retro' bar from another time. Scott and Jory told us the staff arrives two hours ahead of opening to squeeze fresh juice, chill glasses, cut blocks of ice to keep the drinks from diluting quickly and load garnishes into a custom-built ice block. Drink selections come on a menu or you can name your favorite liquor and the bartender will dream up a cocktail just for you. Paul had an old fashioned "Manhattan" and I had a "Tequila Gimlet" which were delightful. Drinks are served in old fashioned martini glasses, and there are NO bar snacks except for a oyster station at the bar.
Now that we felt like we were in the know and with libations attended to, we were ready for the second envelope. This time, the directions sent us to 310 West 4th Street near W. 12th. This certainly was "The Place" to be! We were ushered to a cozy corner table and enjoyed every bite of our dinner. Paul's "Wild Mushroom Risotto was well prepared as was my "Frisee Salad with Pear, Cheese and Candied Nuts". Our main courses of "Short Ribs" on mashed potatoes for Paul and Roasted Cod with Fingerling Potatoes and Broccoli Rabe" for me could not have been better. The portions were just the right size, which left room for chocolate cake and some wonderful spiced and caramelized pears with ice cream. Usually after coffee, we would have happily headed back home, but not tonight--we were, after all, swinging in the Village!
Our last envelope contained a picture of the Knights of the round table and a clue which read, "where this group might go to enjoy some blues". Looking at the address, Paul guessed right away that it was "Arthur's Tavern" on Grove Street. We got there just in time to snag the last table and enjoyed a set along with our after-dinner drinks. The crowd here reminded Paul of his college days and looking around we definitely felt a little "over the hill"! It was a great spot and we clapped and tapped our feet right along with the best of them. What an adventure, and what a night!
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