Cellar 58:
The wine bars are coming for you; they're coming for us all! The latest vino dispenser to descend upon the East Village is Cellar 58; but this one has a lot going for it. One, it's run by real Italians who run around talking at each other in their glorious native tongue. Two, there's a really cute back room, seen here, that fills with diffused, late afternoon light and feels sort of other-worldly. Three, during the opening party last night, we heard the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, Radiohead, and not a single Andrea Bocelli torch song. Fourth, besides the 120+ international wine selection, they're doing a pretty extensive small plates menu (flatbread pizzas, pastas, bruschetta, etc.) which doesn't set them apart from other wine bars (like the one right across the street) but we felt great amore for everything we tried. 58 Second Avenue; (212) 420-1300
The Mott: We're told his militantly seasonal new 38-seat Nolita restaurant is "fully committed to locally sourcing all ingredients and ONLY serving what’s in season on the menu." It's got so much farm-to-table cred that Chef Brian Bieler was even born and raised on a farm in Kansas. Your move, Blue Hill. Bieler says he's going to personally visit green markets "just about every morning" to scout out the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. He even vows, "In my restaurant you will never find a tomato in January or a strawberry in the Fall." The summer menu consists of just six appetizers and six entrees, with starters including Soft Shell Crab Tempura with homemade tartar sauce and frisee and Tomato Coulis, a raw combination of pureed red and yellow heirloom tomatoes topped with opal basil. There's an entrée of Roasted Chicken, made from free range Bell and Evans chickens; and a Seared Halibut with asparagus and sunchokes. But is chicken in season? 173 Mott Street at the corner of Broome; (212) 966-1411
André: Located inside the new Renaissance Hotel, this upscale bistro finally gives Wallace Shawn fans a chance to have their own dinner with Andre. Also serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch, the space is connected to the newly-relaunched Opia Lounge, so you can even get drinks with André after your dinner. Chef Ted Pryor's menu emphasizes "classic French principles with an American accent"; main courses include a Warm Poached Lobster Salad with Baby Golden Beets, Osetra Vinaigrette for $28; Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Sage Pulp New Potatoes, Snap Peas, Black Cherry Jus for $32, and appetizers such as Lobster Ravioli with Summer Squash, Baby Basil and Lobster Bisque ($14). Lunch sandwiches include a Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich on grilled bread with avocado, red onion, tomato and lemon vinaigrette; and for breakfast there's Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes with apple butter and spiced apple compote. 57th Street and Lexington Avenue; (212) 688-3939
