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.