New Restaurants On The Radar: Mari Vanna, Yerba Buena Perry, The Ainsworth

Mari Vanna

Mari Vanna: The latest addition to New York's niche dining market this week comes to us all the way from Russia. Mari Vanna opened last Wednesday after a soft opening all through July, bringing authentic Russian cuisine and all the vodka you can stomach. Inspired by the mythical Mari Vanna (think Max Brenner, but with Borscht), the restaurant feels more like an immigrant kitchen, complete with tchotchke on the bookshelves and ottomans on the floor. And with the winter months approaching, Mari Vanna offers Russian classics like Blinis and Beef Stroganoff on homey yet extravagant china and linens, and gives you the opportunity to wash down that stew with over 70 types of vodka, including a couple dozen imported bottles from Russia. The emphasis, however, is on their in-house infused vodkas, with flavors like Oats & Honey and Dill & Garlic. No word yet on if those flavors are actually successful. 41 E 20th St; (212)-777-1955

Yerba Buena Perry: East Village favorite Yerba Buena is expanding to the West this week. Yerba Buena Perry will continue the original's Argentinean fare and delicious, pisco-based cocktails, with a few new dishes to surprise the regulars. Five inventive ceviches will hit the appetizer menu (such as one involving flounder, sweet potato, and popcorn?), as well as empanadas and arepas all under $15. Entrees like the roast suckling pig range from $20-$35. YBP drafts another PDT vet for the cocktails, serving up inventions like the Rumbuck (Brugal, ginger, lime, bitters) and a Blackberry Gimlet. If alcoholic alchemy isn't your style, there is a large selection of tequilas and piscos, and a predominantly South American wine list. 1 Perry St, at Greenwich Ave; West Village; (212)-620-0808

The Ainsworth: Just in time for football season! Most people spend their football season in New York crammed into sticky dive-bars and eating bad wings washed down with Bud Light. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But if you're looking to spruce up your Monday night viewing experience, The Ainsworth is stepping up to offer a little more. With it's soft opening yesterday, The Ainsworth boasts 6,000 square feet and 40 flat-screen TVs, designed so that you'll have no problem with college or NFL games from any corner. Gastropub fare from Chef Dave Feimster is hearty and savory, with dishes like grilled pork chops with apple chutney, wild mushroom pizza and pineapple ribs. Fancy drinks like the namesake Ainsworth (with muddled mint and honey whiskey) will flow in abundance. Owner Matt Shendell says The Ainsworth will be "a first class bar and a visually stimulating décor culminating in the ultimate drinking and dining experience." But that will all have to wait until halftime. 122 W. 26th St (btwn 6th and 7th Ave); (212)-741-0646

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By Jaya Saxena in Food on August 27, 2009 5:21 PM

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