scene: Lowkey but looking good Gramcery locals, some suits, lots of families
sip: Vino Blanco while dining al fresco on a Summer night, Vino Rosso while tucked into a banquet in the Winter
savor: Funghi Misti, Baby Artichoke Salad, any of the pastas (Strozzapreti al Pesto, anything with truffles, Linguine with Baby Clams, Zucchini Flowers, Veal Milanese
sit: Outside if the weather permits, or else you don't have much of a choice of where you'll be squeezed into the dining room, but the side booths are great for groups of 4 or 5...
spend: $$
address: 102 East 22nd Street (right off of Park Avenue South)
scene: Pseudo rustic Italian seaside in the Theater District with casual elegance; touristas and well-heeled NYC'ers who make the trek
sip: BBBBBBBBarola; BBBBBBarbaresco
savor: Baked clams; Pastas; Fresh Grilled Fish
sit: With anyone pre-theater; with Food Network aficionados who want to see what this Batali is all about; anyone who might have to drive back to NJ after dinner, it is close to the Lincoln Tunnel
scene: cozy and vibrant at the same time; dark walls with contrasting white bar seating that literally highlights the food show; quite noisy, nosey, so don't creep your neighbors' convo
sip: White Lambrusco; huge, slightly intimidatingly sized wine list, but plenty of delicious offerings for decent prices; staff is knowledgable and happy to assist with a selection;
savor: mushrooms with fried egg; spaghetti with chiles, ramps, and breadcrumbs; brussel sprouts; olive oil cake
sit: with someone who likes to share food; a date; not recommended for anyone who will dishing up a side of gossip, the tables are pretty close together
spend: $$
address: 228 West 10th Street (between Bleecker and Hudson)
scene: Large front rooms with high tables for food or just drinks as you wait; dinging room is a little grim, but the usually packed house makes up for the lack of decor
sip: Wine wine wine from a glass, carafe or bottle
savor: Pizza
sit: With a girl friend to for a casual, wine fueled catch up; with another couple for a week night double date; with friends with kids or out of town relatives
spend: $$
address: 1 Fifth Avenue (entrance is on 8th street, not 5th Ave)
scene: bustling; nicely lit and exposed brick space with big windows onto Tribeca; hidden outside courtyard area in the summer; walk-in friendly, which is convenient because getting a reservation here is as easy as getting an English speaking cabby...
sip: The Italian wine list has some nice affordable gems, such as the $60 Barbera d'Alba that I had
savor: meatball sliders; trofie with pesto; market bean salad with tuna dressing; chicken for two; branzino; cheese plate
sit: good for a catch up with some friends and a bottle of wine; nice date place, can head to Brandy Libray after for a cozy evening; also a good place to impress, because I am totally in awe when someone gets a reservation
spend: $$
address: Greenwich Hotel, 377 Greenwich Street (at North Moore)
scene: Cozy front room with private nooks for larger tables; larger back room with retractable roof for al fresco dining in the summer and fireplace dining in the colder months; tables in the bar area get a little loud and a decent amount of traffic walking by
sip: mainly italian wine list; don't expect much help from the waitstaff with the vino, but each wine has some descriptive wording below for you to better figure out what you want
savor: hot stuffed peppers; trofie al proscuitto; Dora's meatballs; chicken
sit: this is a great date place, and also good for large groups
spend: $$
address: 240 West 14th Street, between 7th and 8th
Pants at a Glance
