The NY Times' Eric Asimov highlights the proliferation of wine bars throughout the city (131 at last count by newyorkwinebarguide.com), particularly those offering snacks and small plates far beyond the charcuterie and cheese one might typically expect. And they're not all Italian either. In fact, Asimov spans the globe in his wine bar visits: Spain at Pata Negra, France at Solex, and South Africa at Xai Xai. The lower cost of real estate involved in......

The Smith: Believe it or not, the The Smith is housed in the spot that used to be a Pizzeria Uno. Virtually anything would be an upgrade. The owners of Jane and the Neptune Room, Glenn Harris and Jeffrey Lefcourt, brought the executive chef from Jane, Brian Ellis to create a hearty, seasonal, American bistro-style menu, with offerings like lamb schnitzel with parmesan crust, hot potato chips with gorgonzola fondue, and steak served in various......

We were recently asked about recommendations for good first date spots: "she's allergic to shellfish, I hate TexMex - any thoughts?" We have plenty of thoughts. The first is that a first date, depending on how well you know the person, should be limited to drinks or coffee. This way, if things become clear that you don't want to stick around, you can leave politely without having to suffer through appetizers, an entree, and possibly......

In a city that specializes in specialties, New York is a playground for those who love wine. Whether it’s an unknown Turkish wine you crave or a spicy Tinto Fino from the Ribera del Duero, we have it all. But in a place where your options are endless, the biggest challenge is selecting where to go. The good news is New York also happens to be the city that never sleeps. So with a......

“Hello, my name is Gothamist and I’ve been decanting for 3 years now. It started with port and it quickly escalated to grand wines of Bordeaux and bold Italian wines. I’ve done it in restaurants, at home and even at a family picnic. It’s not that I can’t stop, it’s just that I don’t want to.” There seems to be this misconception that decanting is just for expensive, older wines. However most people don’t realize......

The New Yorker's Tables for Two swooned over Cookshop, until they felt like they couldn't linger over dessert. [Bring Cookshop home with Joe's Eating In recipe for Cod with Chickpea Stew, pictured at right!] Following in our footsteps, New York Metro visits Bar Carrera. The Chowhounds seem to like Tartallucci e Vino as much as we do.    ......

A seat at the Spanish Wine Bar Carrera is like a visit to an old friend’s home. The long table is intimate and cozy and you can’t help but befriend the people seating next to you. Joe the bartender, is quick to offer a suggestion of his favorite tapas or wine selection and you’d be wise to oblige. In the care of good hands, we had a great meal, fabulous wine and a hangover that......

Fall is here, and you know what that means -- Fall restaurant preview time. From what we've read in New York Metro and the New York Times, it looks like we've got a lot to look forward to, including openings from not one but two Iron Chefs -- Batali's Del Posto (85 10th Avenue) and Morimoto's Morimoto (88 10th Avenue). Gothamist is pretty excited about a few others, including Bar Carrera (175 Second Avenue), from......