Camera in the Kitchen: Barmarche

Though often touted as "American Bistro" fare, Barmarche's eclectic menu strives for greatness through creatively executed seasonal fusions. Adding cherry salsa and avacado puree to their ceviche appetizer, and spring peas and lemon cream to their seared skate wing entree, Barmarche synthesizes old favorites -- angus steaks, roast chicken, scallops, and ravioli -- with eclectic sauces, and seasonal fruits and vegetables, beautifully presented in an unpretentious dining room. Touting itself as "downtown chic," Barmarche is, just that: perfect for a romantic date, dinner with a friend, brunch with the family, or as a cocktail lounge, where you can try one of many namesake drinks, particularly their famous prickly pear cactus caipirinhas.

Barmarche is located at 14 Spring Street and open M-F, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. - 2 a.m., and has live jazz on Sundays, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (212) 219-2399.