It’s that time of the week again! These restaurants are casual but never compromise on taste. See y’all there!
I’m In The Kitchen Sandwich Board: April 20, 2012
Recipe: Casually Rustic and Intimate
Quickly becoming known for his innovative Thai cuisine, Chef David Bank , who has worked under Jean Georges and Tadashi Ono, has four delicious restaurants sprinkled over the city. Recipe is his only restaurant that veers from his native cuisine, featuring European-inspired dishes using local produce. The warm and intimate atmosphere ensures everyone get’s a seat at the chef’s table.
IITK Picks: Pork Belly with Ravioli, Macroni & Cheese, and Pan Seared American Snapper.
Recipe: 452 Amsterdam Ave; 212-501-7755; www.recipenyc.com
Bigoli: Simply Delicious Italian
Opening their outdoor patio, and expanding to brunch and lunch, you better get in at Bigoli while you can. The wood-fire pizza, home-made pasta and Italian style tapas will make you feel like you’ve teleported to Italy. They truly capture the Italian cuisine.
*Bonus: every Tuesday is half priced wine and happy hour is 5-7 served with a free tapas small plate with every drink!
IITK Picks: Spinach & Artichoke wood-fired pizza, zucchini parmigiana, polpette, and orecchiette & spicy sausage pasta.
Bigoli: 140 West 13th Street (btwn 6th & 7th ave); 212-647-1001; www.bigolirestaurant.com
Café Clementine: Lunchbox Must
This small time shop is a longtime favorite in Tribeca that previously occupied the space next door (Columbine). There isn’t much seating but their refrigerated section allows you to grab your lunch pick, prepped daily. Specials are seasonal and always a great pick, and we love their kitschy menu titles like “Eat Your Vegetables” and E’s big salad [we’re assuming after Elaine from Seinfeld]
*Bonus: most sandwiches are available as lettuce wraps for “no-carbusters”
IITK Picks: Mediterranean Tuna Sandiwch, Malibu Veg, and Donald’s Famous Smoked Chicken Salad.
Café Clementine: 229 West Broadway; 212-965-0909; www.cafeclementine.com
Dig Inn- Seasonal Market: You Are What You Eat
Their mission: “make it easier for people to eat well.” At this green cafeteria-style restaurant they grow it, chop it, cook it, and serve it. And do their best to keep it local. We love Dig Inn for their transparency, philosophy and of course, delicious food. Dependent on the season, you get to pick your protein, grain or green, side and sauces or spread to build you own plate, salad or wrap. You can also choose from their chef’s suggestions and get every side by the pint!
*Bonus: as you build your own online, it adds up your nutrition label
IITK Picks: Rosemary Turkey, Spicy Meatballs, Mediterranean Cauliflower, Indian Spiced Carrots, Brussel Sprouts, House Vinaigrette and Sweet Red Hot sauce.
Dig Inn: 17 East 17th Street [4 more locations]; 212-253-7676; www.diginn.com
Smith & Mills: Dinner & Drinks
Opening back in 2007 hasn’t stop this restaurant, opened by the successful Matt Abramcyk of Beatrice Inn and Employes Only from continually providing delicious food and reinventing their menu. What we love about Smith & Mills, aside from its petite size and décor, are the prices. Most Tribeca restaurant prices have skyrocketed and they haven’t. If you can find it under the red lamp, it’s a great place to enjoy a wonderful meal and some libations.
IITK Picks: Smokey Ricotta Cheese Place, house made pickled vegetables, white wine steam mussles, Butcher’s Plate and Sausage & Pretzel.
Smith & Mills: 71 N. Moore Street; 212-226-2515; www.smithandmills.com
)
