Las Ramblas

Just as New York City is itself a relatively small space packed with a staggering amount of activity, so too are some of its great restaurant finds. A handful of these wee joints have been discussed here before (ohwhassup, Against the Grain? Check you out, Prune), and now you can add the tapas spot, Las Ramblas, to the list. Ok, so each part of your body is basically touching someone at every other table in the room, but you will ultimately savor authentic Spanish dishes, grow giddy from a variety of sangrias, and become somewhat mesmerized by the mini water feature streaming down one wall. All in all, not too bad. It's like the tourist who rides the subway for the first time - she finds she is pressed against the man who smells too much of human, but she gets to buy a purse off Canal Street downtown, catch a Broadway matinee in midtown, and cap off the evening with a drink uptown at the Met. If the hassle in either case sounds like too much for the reward, go back to Kansas, Shirleen!

So...Las Ramblas? It is named for the popular pedestrian street in Barcelona, which has more performance artists and less NYU students than the Greenwich Village street on which it is located here in New York. A small faux-street sign displaying the restaurant's name indicates you have arrived at the right spot wedged between noticeably larger venues on the nightlife-laden block. Once inside, the friendly staff will figure out where you too shall be wedged.

The menu boasts such classics as patatas bravas and croquetas de jamon, but the more adventurous eater might be delighted to find chanquetes fritos (fried smelts with a garlic, olive oil, lemon drizzle) or banderillas con chorizo de pato (mini skewers of duck sausage, quail eggs, and pearl onion). Nothing is particularly bizarre, so picky eaters need not fear. The options are enjoyably authentic, and perhaps more importantly, they are prepared well with quality ingredients. For instance, the chicken empanadas are straightforward and satisfying. Additionally, there's not much to a dish of boquerones (white marinated anchovies), but fresh and served over fried leeks, they're fantastic...that is, if you like white marinated anchovies...which I happen to do...though I recognize quite a few of you just dry-heaved a little.

Considering Las Ramblas does not take reservations, your best bet to promptly snag a tall stool at one of the raised tables is to head over for a late lunch, say, when your dad's in the city, and he found a parking spot across the street from the restaurant anyway. Otherwise, swing by for dinner on that "date" with your flirty but slightly crazy coworker who should certainly never ever be your girlfriend ever...probably. Or stop in with Shirleen from Kansas - she had a rough day on the subway and would appreciate a good meal.

Las Ramblas - 170 West 4th Street, between Jones & Cornelia Streets

Lupa

Lupa is a Mario Batali restaurant. You know Mario from his television appearances, his cookbooks, his kitchen products, and maybe even from a mention on your favorite blog (ahem). You may have been to his wine store, you may have seen him and his ever-present orange footwear at Chelsea Market, you may have even been to one (or six) of his restaurants. You might therefore also know that Mr. Batali often partners in his endeavors with Joseph Bastianich, and there is no exception in the case of Lupa. Mr. Bastianich has had a hand in Batali's seafood restaurant, Esca, in his 3-star triumph, Babbo, and in several other projects throughout New York, Las Vegas, and California. Also partnering at Lupa are Jason Denton (of 'ino, 'inoteca, and Batali/Bastianich's Otto) and Chef Mark Ladner (sous-chef at Babbo's opening and yet another Otto contributor). All of which is to say, Lupa's owners know a thing or two about Italian restaurants, and thankfully, at Lupa, it shows.

For starters, the food is prepared well. Sadly, the same can not be said for every Italian restaurant throughout Manhattan. Basics like pasta are often overcooked, drenched in sauce, or they arrive cold at the table. Mercifully, Lupa's pasta dishes are al dente, flavorful without being overworked, and hot. The style of the food is Roman, as the restaurant's full name is Lupa Osteria Romana. According to the restaurant's website (and Italian speakers the world over), "Osteria Romana" means "Roman Tavern," and "Lupa" means "She-Wolf." Parenthetically, you have no idea how badly I want to crack a Shakira joke.

The menu is divided into categories: verdura, carne, insalata, pesce, primi, secondi, and piatto del giorno (aka, vegetables, meat, salad, fish, first courses, entrees, and daily specials). A good portion of the menu is written in Italian, but a glossary on the back will help in the deciphering process as will the waitstaff, who are typically friendly and engaging. The food may be shared family style, or you may opt to hoard a selection from one of the above mentioned categories for yourself - hey, if you can annihilate an order of house made coppa cotta by your lonesome, who am I to say otherwise?

The restaurant is divided into two rooms, both of which are casual yet polished. The front room is packed with wood chairs at dark wood tables, approximately 9 stools at the bar to the left, and a large wine hutch anchoring the right wall at the rear of the space. The floors are ceramic, the walls are a rusty orange color, and the noise level is lively. Pretty much exactly what one might expect of an Italian trattoria. Arched doorways lead to the smaller back room in which the tables have cloths, cushioned banquettes line the wall, and a chandelier coupled with wall sconces provide the light. This back room may seem more serene than the front at first glance, but the noise level and energy in the space depends largely on the patrons at any given time.

So let's talk particulars. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, though you may have some luck strolling in without one for lunch. The food is moderately priced considering the quality, but there are ways to pay less than what you might otherwise expect. Lupa offers "Roma Mezzanotte," which is a late night price-fixed menu for $26* per person. It is available Sunday through Thursday from 10:00pm until midnight, and it includes three courses (antipasta, pasta, and dessert) plus a glass of wine. The regular menu is also available during this time.

Lupa also hosts events from time to time which showcase a particular seasonal ingredient, method of cooking, holiday tradition, or region of wine (Bastianich is an owner of several wineries; one of which includes Batali as a partner. Not surprisingly, Lupa's wine list is extensive.) A good way to learn about upcoming events is to visit the restaurant's website and/or join their mailing list. Additionally, you may host your own private event, as Lupa is equipped to accommodate up to 80 guests (up to 30 guests at dinner or the entire restaurant at lunch). It should be noted that any party larger than 6 at lunch or dinner is required to partake in a price-fixed menu option rather than dining a la carte.

So next time you are hungry like the wolf, grab your favorite she-wolf and head over to Lupa for an evening in Roma without ever leaving New York, New York. (I couldn't resist.)

Lupa - 170 Thompson Street, between between Bleecker & Houston Streets

UPDATE - The price has increased. I repeat. The price has increased. Lupa's Roma Mezzanotte will set you back a cool $3 more than before at $29 per person. We can storm the streets in protest, OR...pay it. Yeah, just pay it. Occupy Lupa sounds like too much of a headache to organize.

The Grey Dog

There is a cafe in Manhattan that looks like it belongs just off the water in Seattle. Confession: I've never been to Seattle, so maybe that last sentence was 100% false. It's just that there's a quaintness to The Grey Dog, which I'm associating with harbors and seaside towns, with friendly dispositions, and with a solid cup o' joe. Rumor has it Seattle boasts these qualities - thanks to The Grey Dog's three Manhattan locations, New York does too.

The Grey Dog is a casual eatery with hearty sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, and more. The sandwiches are made with thick cut bread and served with potato chips and pickles, the salads are portioned generously, the soups vary daily, the desserts are enormous, and the "more" includes many breakfast items, burgers, quesadillas, and fish tacos. Beverages include myriad coffee and tea options, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, beer, and wine. They even offer happy hour specials, which surprises me for no valid reason whenever I see the sign. Mayhaps it's just that I like their coffee so much, I can't fathom opting for reasonably priced booze instead? The world may never know.

So here's the rundown on how The Grey Dog works: You walk in. You stand on line at the counter. You ever-so-subtly pump your booty to the Otis Redding playing overhead. You read the menu on the back wall. You order from the super friendly person at the counter who prepares your drink and dessert order, takes your name, and rings you up at the register. You pay. You pick up silverware, napkins, and condiments from the hutch on the side of the room. You find a seat. If you struggle with that last bit, someone who works there may assist you. You sit. You scroll through your cell. You take a sip of your drink and glance at the pictures on the wall (photos at the Carmine location; comics in Chelsea). You hear your name called. You wave to the guy walking around with your entree and that lost puppy look. You smile at each other and say "Thank you." You eat. You enjoy.

The Grey Dog (also known as "The Grey Dog's Coffee") has three locations, but all offer the same quality food and service. Speaking of that service, it is laid-back to the point it is sometimes slow. However, when you are ordering at the counter and seeing how much individual attention each customer is given, you understand. and hopefully forgive.

All three locations have the same general look and feel - weathered wood, makeshift signs, exposed brick, knickknacks, and colorful tabletops (some with pictures of boats, some with maps, some with dogs - all cute). The difference between the three locations is size - Carmine Street is the smallest, University Place is somewhat larger, and Chelsea is the biggest.

Now, whether this is really the look and feel of Seattle is your call. Considering some of the menu items are designated "Michigan Sandwiches," maybe it's more reminiscent of that part of the country. I wouldn't know, as I haven't been there either. What I can say with absolute certainty, however, is that I like it.

The Grey Dog's Coffee - 33 Carmine Street, between Bedford & Bleecker Streets
The Grey Dog's Coffee - 90 University Place, between East 11th & East 12th Streets
The Grey Dog Chelsea - 242 West 16th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues

Tomoe

I think there are two main reasons people line up outside and wait for seats at Tomoe:

1. The interior is crazy small.
2. The food is crazy good.

What is not crazy, however, is you for wanting to get in. Well, ok, if you're standing in the rain with the flu and you'd just like a bowl of miso soup, you're crazy for waiting. If you're craving hot dogs and french fries, which they don't serve at this Japanese restaurant, you're crazy for waiting. If you're the guy on the subway who set empty toothpaste boxes on the seat next to me, scratched your head, and then smacked me on the arm, you're just straight up crazy. Thanks for reading my blog, though!

Like at Tartine, there isn't always a mob of patrons clamoring for seats, but trusting reader, it is only fair that I warn you it can happen, has happened, and will happen again.

So what's the fuss? The sushi is damn good. The selection is fresh as fresh can be, and they have options not typically found at most Japanese restaurants. For example, whereas eel is a common sushi restaurant find, both sea and fresh water options are not. Whereas most offer yellowtail, Tomoe additionally offers belly and baby yellowtail. To be fair, not every item listed on the menu is always available. To that, I say, "Whoop Whoop," because if it's not fresh at the market that day, they're not serving it, and I'm not eating it. Upset stomach and parasites avoided!

In addition to the freshness and variety, the sushi is noteworthy for its size. The rolls, like at most establishments, vary in girth depending on the contents. The pieces, however, are where it's at. Rather than the fish sitting on the small bed of rice, it drapes across and beyond it. Ok, so the prices aren't cheap, but at least you're getting some bang for your buck. and by "bang" I mean "fish." and by "buck" I mean "$4.75 per piece on average." You are also getting a complimentary dish of marinated bean sprouts at the start of your meal, which seems random and boring until you realize you can't stop eating it.

As for the decor, there's not much to it - just wooden tables crammed next to one another and a rather small sushi bar along the back of the room able to accommodate about five to seven diners. The walls are mostly adorned with pictures of sushi, and last time I was there, several signs were on display indicating Tomoe only accepts cash or American Express. If you plan to use amex, it is worth noting the $15 lunch and $20 dinner minimums.

So if you've walked around Greenwich Village for hours and want to cap off the day with a solid Japanese meal, Tomoe could be the spot for you. If you're an NYU student tired of spending your dining dollars at the same places, Tomoe could be the spot for you. If you're planning to propose to your girlfriend who is allergic to seafood, Tomoe is probably not the best bet for you. Maybe try Il Mulino up the block and around the corner on West 3rd.

Tomoe - 172 Thompson Street, between Bleecker & Houston Streets