Dinner with an Agoraphobe
August 26th, 2008
If your date is afraid of a crowd (or of running into his “soon-to-be-ex”) head to one of these super tiny restaurants and introduce yourself to the six other people you’ll be dining with. Let’s just hope he isn’t claustrophobic as well.
LOWER EAST SIDE
Zucco: Le French Diner
[188 Orchard St.] [212.677.5200]
Cozy up in this tiny room where even the wine glasses are miniature (and with Cote de Rhone being a mere $24 a bottle you will be refilling often.) Classic salads and sandwiches (frisee aux lardon and la croque madam are favorites) accompany moules frites, duck confit, and hearty specials.
EAST VILLAGE
Degustation Wine & Tasting Bar
[239 E. 5th St.] [212.979.1012]
Sixteen seats hug an open kitchen that turns out divine small plates. Meander through croquets, poached eggs, and grilled quail on your own or opt for the $50 five-course chef’s tasting. The unobtrusive setting, service, and sound levels are the perfect escape from a crowd.
WEST VILLAGE
Little Havana
[30 Cornelia St.] [212.255.2212]
This hole-in-the-wall, closet-sized Cuban spot is so small that you have to traipse through the kitchen to use the restrooms. But don’t let that discourage you. What the room lacks in size, the kitchen more than makes up for in flavor. Enjoy first-rate ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and rice and beans.
UPPER WEST SIDE
Voza
[949 Columbus Ave.] [212.666.8602]
While the menu here may seem a bit schizophrenic (it bills itself as French-Italian but really falls all over the map.) The key is to order anything that seems like a southern favorite (even if the mac and cheese is disguised as “macaroni aux deux fromages.”) The crab cakes, pork chop, and roasted corn are all stellar. And the four tables and unassuming neighborhood means the only crowds you will fight here are the locals.
October 1st, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Oh Erica Shea how I love thee…We will catch up sooner than later, HOWEVER I wanted to let you know in your Voza entry it says “crap cakes.” WOOPSIES!