don't be afraid, vegetables don't bite

the lower east side has long been my favorite area of the great island of manhattan. i love being surprised by the variety of hip and delicious places to eat. at an invitation from melissa king, love ya mel %^*, to a happy hour meet and greet/networking party i was happily introduced to counter. on first ave. between 6th and 7th streets, it is billed as "an organic wine and martini bar and vegetarian bistro". their wine list is extensive and impressive, and their cocktail menu is serious and seriously funny, with drinks named "tie me to the bed post" and "the angry lesbian". their menu of vodkas infused with herbs grown in their own roof-top garden will definitely tempt you and provoke your palate. i had the angry lesbian..."tarragon infused vodka, framboise and orange puree", and as a card carrying member of that group i approve. no really, ask lori barry, i AM lesbian...and chinese, and nigerian, and swedish and indian... the noshes and entrees, some completely vegan, were beautiful to look at, delicious to smell and yummy to eat. the spiced seytan ragout on the hummus royale was sharp, aromatic and delicious; the chickpea fries and corn beignets with remoulade sauce were so good it was impossible to stop eating them. i had the italian farmhouse panini made from walnut-lentil pate, plum tomatoes, greens and slivers of red onion, and rosemary aioli on a crunchy ciabatta served with a generous side of baby greens with a dressing so light it never weighed down the delicate leaves but was sharp and crisp. the bartender was gracious and where else do you know that will actually just BRING you a glass of water when you sit down at the counter? stop by after work, for a lunch or brunch, you'll have to keep going back, as i will, to sample the whole menu.

kittichai

it is probably a thai word which means "i'm too sexy for you", and rightly so. the soho restaurant by the same name is so cool, its hot; so in it could be impossible to get into and so sexy i think i just came writting this. ok, so i liked it, you get the idea; but really, the place is beautiful and unfortunately trendy. kinda like i describe the hamptons..."love the place, hate the people". stylish alcoves where small to midsize groups can dine in relative seclusion; red, orange and yellow fabric colored walls uplit for drama and style; a ceiling simulating bamboo screens; dim spot lighting on the tables; a large pool with floating candles that tumble against each other and clink lightly together, and a flawless, and beautiful staff that seems to appear and disappear as if from nowhere to make sure your service is perfect. oh, and by the way, the food doesn't suck. if you could eat the presentation it might just taste as wonderful as the food actually does. they are currently participating in restaurant week and have extended this menu to march 31st; but they also have a prix fixe brunch on saturdays AND sundays. take advantage folks!