Category Archives: Wine Bar

Spasso

14 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by in American, Date Spot, Italian, Restaurants, Wine Bar

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551 Hudson Street                     http://www.spassonyc.com

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Baller Spot. Always delicious. I’ve been here 3 times and it is always consistent. In my opinion, this is one of the top restaurants in the West Village.

It’s located on the corner of Hudson and Perry with great out-door seating in the summer. Also, the interior is rustic and inviting. All the times I went, the music and vibe was spot on. This is an Italian restaurant, but It’s modern, funky Italian, where the dishes are not necessarily traditional. There is a flair to all the food here.

We started the meal with the Beef Tartare Dijon, with vinaigrette, egg yolk, and house made pickles. This dish was so fresh. Hands down the best Tartare I’ve had…

IMG_5658The house made Straciatella Cheese is a must…It is basically creamy, stretchy mozzarella cheese. I think this is one of their most popular dishes because every table around us had it. They use a nice balsamic vinaigrette with pickled cherries which adds to its’ sweetness.

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The Grilled Octopus confit with olive-fennel purée has a nice unique taste. The fennel adds a distinct flavor that I haven’t had with octopus before. It would be nice if the dish was a little bigger, but maybe next time I will order 2.

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The Fusilli pasta with Spicy Pork Ragu, Goat Cheese, and Mint was also very tasty. The mint and goat cheese together in a spicy pasta is refreshing.

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For me, the Pork Milanese stole the show. I don’t know of any other restaurants that make this dish. And putting a fried egg on it was perfect. This had a remarkable taste with the mix of salad, pork and egg. I’m not sure if this is a constant on the menu, but if not, it should be.

Overall, a West Village Staple, a perfect date spot…Put it on the list…Over and out…

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Olio e Piu Pizzeria

27 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by in Date Spot, Gelato/Ice Cream, Italian, Uncategorized, Wine Bar

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3 Greenwich Avenue                                 http://www.olionyc.com/olio

Its getting nice out!!! And Olio is among the best outdoor seating/people watching in the West Village. This brick oven pizza spot gets packed for brunch, especially on nice sunny days. I always get the same thing; The Nostrano pizza, which has ricotta cheese, prosciutto and truffle oil. I usually sprinkle a little olive oil and vinegar on top, which is a nice treat. their crust is also top-notch. Also, this spot is open 24 hours!!

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Like Jon’s pizza on Bleecker, Olio doesn’t do slices; only full pizzas perfect for sharing or hoarding for yourself.

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I also love the Amalfitana pizza with salad on top. It’s pretty cool that they have this dish because most places don’t. I also like the use of the lemon. I’ve never had their pasta, but I’ve heard really good things. But for me, I’m a creature of habit, and will always get my Prosciutto and Ricotta pizza.

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All in all, a great place for drinks, people watching, and some tasty brick oven pizza.

 

Whynot Coffee and Wine bar

24 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by in Coffee, Date Spot, French, Wine Bar

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whynot coffee front14 Christopher Street, New York, New York 10014

We were lucky enough to check out this new coffee and wine bar on the corner of Christopher and Gay Street last week. I’ve always admired this building; from the large antique front doors to the floor to ceiling windows, this new coffee shop deserves all the praise its been getting.941966_434206250020966_1090863680_n

Unlike some other pretentious local coffee shops, you feel comfortable and at home here. Whynot encompasses a very easy breezy Parisian vibe, which I find refreshing for the area. It is decorated impeccably, with large murals of French actresses on the walls, most notably Brigitte Bardot, painted by NY artist Jeremy Penn.

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We had the pleasure of enjoying some fabulous wine and cheese with the owner Emil, who explained that his goal was not just to open a coffee and wine shop, but to create an experience. 

Musicians come in on many occasions to play live Jazz which can be enjoyed on the oversized comfy couch in the back. The record player/keyboard setup is just another treat to keep ones self entertained. music

By the way, one of my favorite albums by Beach House was playing…on vinyl…very cool.

Whynot sells Blue Bottle Coffee, which is outstanding. We had 2 regular coffees and a prosciutto and provolone croissant, a goat cheese with wild berry croissant, and the charcuterie. charcutIMG_2741

Pop in for a coffee, try the croissants, check out the vinyl selection.  Come late night and listen to the live music. I think you will see why I find this place to be the best new coffee shop in the West Village. 

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Sel et Gras

07 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by in Date Spot, French, Wine Bar

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131 7th Ave South   http://www.seletgras.com

I had the pleasure of trying this new French Tapas restaurant with my buddy Ian, and everything was excellent. First off, the idea of a French tapas place is brilliant; small, reasonably priced dishes with awesome French beer and wine.

I’m not a Foie Gras guy…but I am now!! The Foie Gras with strawberries and almond crumble was out of this world! One of the best things I’ve ever had. This is a must.

The Lamb Brochette with raisin jam and greek yogurt was outstanding. This was one of the best Lamb dishes I’ve ever had. It had such an interesting taste…I think I tasted mint and cumin?

The Croque Mademoiselle was delicious. Three little ham and Gruyère cheese sandwiches with quail eggs-this was a first timer for me. Very and tasty and unique.

We had the chocolate pot de creme with ginger and raspberry coulis for desert. Think chocolate raspberry chocolate mousse..enough said.

The vibe is pretty cool too with graffiti and cool french pictures on the wall. They were playing great music too; from Air to Wu-Tang, and everyone was super warm and friendly. We even got to hang with the Star of the show Chef Nick Pfannerstill. Overall, an awesome addition to the West Village Restaurant scene.

Ian says…”When you walk into Sel et Gras you immediately feel like you’re hanging with the “cool kids”. The place has a very french vibe but the exposed brick and graffiti adds an east village cool factor. The design of the place just sets the stage for the food that’s about to come. Chef Nick likes to cook in a style he considers “things he would make at home”.  Apparently I need to step up my at home cooking game to compete with this dude.

The garlic fries kick things off in a way that shows you this is not you’re standard french cafe. Soaked in parmesan garlic butter they are addicting as hell and the cast iron skillet they come in add to the cool vibe. A definite “must have” and one of their most unique dishes would be the foie gras with strawberry sauce. Off the hook. Even for the less adventurous the creaminess of the Foie Gras mousse and sweet taste of the strawberry sauce make this dish just make you smile (we laughed actually it was so good after the first bite). And yes you can ask for more bread. We did.

Tons of other amazing stuff like steak tartare, lamb brochette and more as well. The Croque Mademoiselle is ridiculous also; by the way you have to try it. They’re like mini ham egg and cheese sliders with an insane cheese sauce.

All around just a cool spot with amazing  food in a place that just feels right.”

Vin Sur Vingt

17 Saturday Mar 2012

Posted by in Date Spot, French, Wine Bar

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211 West 11th Street                  http://www.vinsur20nyc.com/

One of the best wine bars in the city! Great wine, great date spot, great all around! This intimate spot is modeled after a French wine bar, and has a very enjoyable ambiance to it. If you can get a seat, this place is perfect for having some great wines that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.