Tag Archives: Date

April 25, 2010 · 2:07 pm

August in April

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You may think I’m talking about all the 70-degree weather we’ve been in having, but in fact I’m referring to dinner at August, a small refuge that satisfies both appetite and ambiance. Both the heated outdoor atrium and the narrow candlelit front room — showcasing a wood-fired oven and reminiscent of an underground wine cellar — provide ideal settings for a memorable meal.

We shared two starters, the first was a Striped Bass Tartar laden with fresh herbs, pistachios and a citrus vinaigrette, which had the perfect contrast of fresh and earthy flavors with a surprising, but subtle chili pepper kick. The second, was what they called an Asparagus Mimosa — I like it already! Farm fresh asparagus tossed in a light dijon sauce and topped with radish shavings, served with an unexpected poached egg custard dusted with bottarga. Mustard is my favorite secret ingredient, so this punchy, peppery, creamy, salty combination is high on my list. For my entree, I went with our waiter’s recommendation and something I would not normally order — Roasted Duck. Served with a ginger cavatelli, rhubarb, and spring onions, I again was overwhelmed by the unique earthy flavors with a pleasantly surprising zest in each bite. As much as I truly enjoyed my dish, I admittedly had a bit of food envy when I tried a bite of the homemade gnocchi served with merguez sausage, spring peas and stinging nettles. Nettle what? Do not be afraid, nettles are a plant with toxic, stinging hairs, which are perfectly edible once cooked. I hope.

If all that complex flavor talk scares you {and it shouldn’t}, then check out their casual ‘Pies & Peronis’ Sunday night dinners — featuring a selection of Old World Style pizzas from the wood burning oven, served with a bucket of Peronis for $25. Sounds like a perfect diversion from the fast approaching Monday morning blues.

The Skim: Beyond the A+ atmosphere, the menu contributes some very unique, but simple, fresh flavor combinations that makes August worth coming back to…in May, June, July or any other month. {359 Bleeker Street btw Charles & West 10th}


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April 23, 2010 · 5:12 pm

Bocca di Bacco: I say PotaTO, You say PoTATo

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I can’t seem to keep the “o” and “a” straight, but when I get it right, I have to say Bocca di Bacco has a nice ring to it — particularly when coming from the attractive, thickly accented Italian bartender serving my drink. I found myself in uncharted waters again last night — second visit to midtown in two weeks, second time I was pleasantly surprised.

Two large front windows welcome skeptical Ninth Ave. passersby to explore the midtown gem. Brightly lit and perfect for street viewing on a spring day, the bar is a great afternoon or early evening stop to grab a drink, sit back and watch. What’s on tap? The options here are only limited if you are a beer drinker: Peroni vs. 40 wines. 40 wines on tap, you say? Yes, the future of wines by the glass cleverly borrows from the old keg of beer contraption to remove oxygen, protect the open bottle and seamlessly pour your grape of choice without the risk of 40 open bottles going bad before midtowners can fully imbibe each selection. Brilliant.

With such an enticing bar setup, it seemed only right to give the Bocca di Bacco menu a shot. A quick accented chat with my bartender and I was armed with his top suggestions — one he said I could not miss was the Grilled Octopus. The Octopus was grilled perfectly and served over a bed of celery and potato. With such a successful seafood starter, I decided to stick with the theme for my entree and got the generously portioned grilled branzino with broccoli rabe and herbed potatoes. This may have been one of the few times I went to an Italian restaurant and didn’t even think of getting the pasta, but there were plenty of enticing options on that part of the menu too.

The Skim: You’re going to midtown to see a show or just got swept up in the sea of tourists and are looking for a reprieve to grab a glass of vino or a delicious bite to eat? Look no further, Bocca di Bacco is both a worthy wine bar and delicious restaurant, that is actually reasonably priced given the neighborhood. Bon Appetito! {828 9th Ave btw. 54th & 55th St}

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April 18, 2010 · 11:47 pm

barmarche: Some Clever Crudites

Crispy Bass Taquitos with Apple Cider Slaw

I like when a restaurant departs from the expected bread basket and welcomes you with an atypical hunger diversion. barmarche, a cozy little candlelit cove on the corner of Spring and Elizabeth, does just that with their homemade hummus, carrot and celery sticks placed generously on your table with a bottle of NY’s finest before you even have a chance to glance at the menu. Pleasantly, I was not full before my meal arrived, so could thoroughly enjoy the delightfully fresh Lime Bass Taquitos with Apple Cider Slaw. Two thumbs up for the fish tacos. Other dishes worth trying: Truffle Shrimp Risotto, Bresoala & Arugula Salad and I’m told they do a mean burger.

The Skim: If you’re looking for a great date place or night out with a small group of friends, barmarche has a good vibe for a relaxed, intimate meal — velvet curtains, antiques gracing the walls, generous candlelight and a menu with latin flare. Eating with your hands can’t be bad on a date, right? {14 Spring Street @ Elizabeth}

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