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ITALIA STAFF PICKS |
WINE BARS by Sarah Lagrotteria They are there for those times when you are not necessarily hungry, but craving a great glass of vino. Judging by the number of small, atmospheric wine bars popping up in various neighborhoods, the craving must be a common one. These wine bars are favorites among the Babbo staff (cork dorks and vino amateurs alike)….. ‘ino 21 Bedford St. (West Village) Between Sixth Ave. and Downing St. < br> 212-989-5769 True, the onus in this diminutive space is on the fabulous panini (try the panino with Soppressata, Fontina, and Rucola), but the wine list is notably deep and the prices, for both food and drink, can’t be beat. Owned by Lupa and Otto partner Jason Denton and his wife, Jennifer, the hospitality here makes it the perfect neighborhood spot. Bar Veloce 175 Second Ave. (East Village) Between 11th and 12th Sts. 212-260-3200 Sleek and stylish where ‘ino is warm and welcoming, Bar Veloce is similarly small and just as busy. The hipster staff is familiar with the wine list and quick with suggestions. Most of the wines by the glass sell $10 or less. Il Posto Accanto 190 E. 2nd St. (East Village) Between Avenues A and B 212-228-3562 Opened to accommodate the crowd waiting for tables at Il Bagatto next door, Il Posto Accanto has found a following of its own. The all-antipasti menu and the lush décor – think candelabras and heavy masses of fresh flowers- make for a romantic spot to linger. The wine list features plenty of bottles that can be ordered by the glass, carafe or half-carafe. Enoteca I Trulli 124 E. 27th St. (Flatiron/Gramercy/Union Square) Between Lexington Ave. and Park Ave. South 212-481-7372 While the wine list (created by award-winning wine director Charles Scicolone) will thrill even the hardest-to-please oenophile, the food shouldn’t be overlooked at this quiet wine bar in the Gramercy area. All the olives offered are superb-plump with sour juices - and the sour ricotta spread is bar none. 1 Fifth Ave.At 8th St. 212-995-9559 If you drop the pizzeria Otto enoteca is a wine bar (enoteca) through and through. The long marble bar and tall stand-alone tables in the enoteca make for a festive nightime atmosphere and a lovely, sun-filled space for a leisurely afternoon drink. With over 600 Italian wines to choose from, the bottle and quartino options are endless. Check the website for wineglasses led by Otto sommelier Morgan Rich. |
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