The Premium Life

Personally I prefer dining at the bar area of a restaurant as opposed to a table. I believe the overall experience is more interactive: the bartender often has good recommendations, you end up socializing with other patrons, and usually you can linger as long as you desire. I often compare it to the experience at a blackjack table…

So for this entry I decided to share a few spots that I recently visited.

Scarpetta (355 west 14^th street) is a fabulous place to satisfy your Italian cravings with some pasta and wine while being tucked away in the borders of theWest Village. Living in Italy I experienced my fair share of pastas, polenta, and pancetta but  chef  Scott Conant’s focus on the ingredients and tribute to the native cooking is what makes his dishes stand out. The bar area occupies the entire front of the restaurant with an L shaped bar and seating options both at high top and two top tables. Your can order from the entire menu that is offered in the main dining room. Conant did a great job capturing the comfortable and rustic downtown style while maintaining the sophistication of  staff wearing tobacco colored uniforms and cover plated entres.

It is a terrific spot to meet a friend for a drink and a nibble. The Primi’s range from a raw yellowtail seasoned with spiced oil and flaked sea salt to creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms. The pastas are delicious; if you decide to share, the kitchen splits them and serves them in small white porcelain dishes. The statement “simple is best” is demonstrated with Conant’s spaghetti with tomato and basil which received the New York Magazine best pasta award in 2009. The bar area attracted many diners who sought after quality food “after hours” so the Scarpetta team created a Late Night Bites menu offered from 10am-1pm Tuesday through Friday.

I recently tried Resto (111 East 29^th street) for their authentic Belgian casual fare. Chef Ryan Skeen prides himself on the emphasis on seasonal local farm fresh ingredients to serve to his Gramercy Park neighborhood patrons. The bar is cozy and inviting with 10 bar seats to accommodate walk in guests.

Resto serves up classic dishes like short rib carbonnade, moules & frites and their pan fried burger… that can be of comfort in any season. I branched out and tried the chicory salad, served with dandelion, escarole, frisee pigs ears, spring beans, soft egg, and warm vinaigrette. The variety of textures, the runny egg yolk combined with the crispness of the ears blended marvelously.

With a menu like Resto’s that you don’t see everyday it is helpful to ask the bartender’s suggestions. The hanger steak was generously seasoned with a crisp char juicy center. I paired it with local sautéed snap peas…and of course the frites. The frites are served with a choice of dipping sauces that compliment the crispy outside and the starchy center- (mayo, sweet chili, lime pickle, cocktail, mayo & onion, gribiche, lemon & smoked paprika, sriracha, yogurt, cumin, roasted garlic.

Don’t under estimate eating brunch at the bar…how can you go wrong with a frosty cold  Duvel beer, Belgian frites and a classic grilled cheese served on a waffle with Vermont cheddar, gruyere, bacon, pork belly and greens. Save room for dessert with a variety of Belgian chocolates (dark, milk, and white) to chose from. I promise it will be a sweet end to the meal.

Five Points (31 Great Jones street) My last pick is a classic and one that I have been venturing to since its doors opened in 1999 and almost always opt for a seat at the bar. Five Points is a place that can become your local hangout…with a friendly approachable staff, a seasonal menu with Mediterranean accents and a wide range of spirits, it is just the place you want to hang your hat and stay a while.

The char grilled grass fed burger served with Vermont cheddar, smokehouse bacon & French fries and the wood oven pizzette (fontina cheese, sliced yukon gold potatoes & white truffle oil) are constants on the menu.

Whether you opt for one of their fresh salads made with local herbs and ingredients such as the marinated beet & mutsu apple salad with Greek style yogurt, watercress & spiced almonds or fish dish like the wood oven roasted dayboat merluzza served with white bean ragout, watercress, tangerines & gremolata you are sure it will be complimented by a perfectly made cocktail. The experienced bartenders know how to fix one of the best Martinis around and the white and red Sangria are popular choices. With the airy ambience and the wood tones the Five Points style sets an ideal ambience for all seasons.

I hope this helps next time you are looking for a spot to meet a friend, or even grab a bite for one…regardless of your circumstance– sitting at the bar offers a different perspective on your dining experience. You might even make a new friend.

For more information and reservations, and to plan your next experience be sure to check us out on www.premiumlg.com.

Eat well!