We haven't been writing much since we came back from France. No real reason, we just seem to periodically fall into a funk--maybe a little writer's block! But, last night we went to a new restaurant that had an interesting menu that focused on "small dishes",
We have never been fans of Tapas. We enjoyed it in Spain when we were at bars that offered a wide variety in conjunction with drinks or wine--it was certainly an improvement over nuts, fried calamari and chicken fingers; but as a whole meal it didn't appeal to me.
We tried this place because Chris was at a fundraiser for "Just Food" in the Village and we couldn't get anything else at the last minute. It turned out to be a lucky choice.
The restaurant is on 10th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in a delightful space with a fireplace, a really nice bar and a small dining room with exra seating on the balcony that looks down on the main room. The spots up there were very romantic and quite private compared with the main room which was packed but had a nice buzz. The wait friendly staff is informative and well versed in the menu, suggesting we just start with a few dishes. This is a really smart idea, because things come out quite quickly given that the menu is all "small dishes". The price range is from $6 to $14 with most items in the range of $9 to $11. They had a good wine list which was reasonably priced.
As you can see from the list we didn't limit our selves to just 3 or 4 dishes. Several of the dishes were quite wonderful; the Crispy Brussels Sprouts outstanding and a favourite with both of us! Beyond that, each of us favored different things. Chris the Mushrooms, Fried Goat Cheese and Pork Ribs; me the Calamari and the Cauliflower. There was only one dish we really didn't like, the Potato Gratin.
Lamb Meatballs spiced butternut squash foam, toasted sesame seeds and lebne
Crispy Brussels Sprouts fuji apples, crème fraiche, pistachio nuts
Caramelized Cauliflower manila clams, chorizo, golden raisins
Royal Trumpet Mushrooms sauteed with garlic and thyme, sea salt and fresh lemon
Marinated Bella di Cerignola moroccan cured and arbequina olives
Wok Seared Baby Calamari fideos vermicelli, chinese sausage and cherry tomatoes
Paprika-potato Gratin oloroso carmelized onions, piquillo, manchego
Fried Goat Cheese with lavender infused honey
Danish Pork Ribs roasted with kecap manis & coriander
For wine we had a nice Cotes de Nuits-Villages, (Denis Bachelet 2004).
The wine must have been good because we then shared a dessert, a wonderful Bananas with a Crepe (it reminded me of that Mid-West favorite Bananas Foster).
64 West 10th Street
(bet 5th & 6th Aves)
212-505-7777
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