at the sign of The Pink Pig

Damiani Wines at Spina

[Free stuff by Wilfrid:  July 31, 2010]

Would it be fair to describe Spina as an Avenue B sleeper?  This Italian yearling, in the space which housed Uovo, then briefly Panificio, serves fresh pasta (made in the dining room) and well "curated" meats and cheeses.

But one of the first things I noticed when it opened is that it takes New York State wines seriously.

Quick Bites: Pop's (Not Mom's)

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  July 28, 2010]

Crisis requirement for fast food after running through too many taps at Brooklyn Bowl while the band played on led me to Pop's, N. 8th Street, just off Bedford. I had never heard of the place before, but it serves drinking (or hangover) food and nothing but.

Burgers, dogs, wings, hot sandwiches, a few Mexican dishes in a rough-and-ready storefront with a few stools. No frills. Chili cheeseburger was messy - wish it had been spicy. Onion rings might have been bought in, but were fresh fried and you get a lot for $2.50. Most fun, the pastrami "poppers" - two sliders for $3.50, the pastrami refried to a crisp, served with a thick slice of pickle, lettuce and mustard. Fries were boring. Cheap, messy and useful in an emergency.

And Staten Island Too: Cargo Cafe

[Pigging by Wilfrid: July 26, 2010]

I wish I could assert a cunning plan here, a decision to boldly go and add a Staten Island restaurant review to the Pink Pig's formidable canon.  But no, it was dumb luck.

The main objective of crossing the water was to pay homage to one of the city's oldest bars, the century old Liedy's Shore Inn.  It just so happens, the expeditionary force collided with some good food on the way.

Henry: More Bar Than Bistro

[Pigging by Wilfrid: July 20, 2010]

Remember the old Zinc Bar on Houston.  Down those steep steps, best negotiated sober, for subterranean cocktail and late night Brazilian jazz?

Well it's been Bar Henry since last year, or rather Bar Henry Bistro as the canopy cheerfully informs you (mind the steps).

Traif: It Deserves A Better Name

[Pigging by Wilfrid:  July 19, 2010]

After all, what's in a name?  "Traif" - unkosher, as it's generally rendered, although it originally referred to the pre-vehicular equivalent of roadkill.  And initial coverage of Traif the restaurant dutifully reported it as a temple of pork and shellfish.

Not really.  I don't want to get into whether it's a cute goof or perhaps a little tasteless to bill your cuisine as traif when you are neighbor to a large Hasidic community.  It's not my fight.  I will say that it does the restaurant itself insufficient justice.

Matisse and The Modern at MoMA

[New York Peasant by Wilfrid: June 19, 2010]

Before coming to Matisse, I should belatedly mention that there are still a few days left to see Leon Golub's stirring, grouchy, funny late works on paper at The Drawing Center.  And don't miss the video of an abrasive, hilarious interview showing in the lobby (through July 23).  But back to the blockbuster.

To Wild Blue Again: Ten Years Ago

[Pink Pig Time Machine:  July 19, 2010]

As I've said before, one can hardly count on nothing but good memories when thumbing through the pages of a journal kept over many years.  But let us be brave enough to remember yet again the restaurants at the top of the World Trade Center.

Curious...

[Telegrams from the Street: July 16, 2010]

A restaurant in New York's SoHo.  On Mulberry Street.  Italian.

New?  I can't find much information about it. Possibly, of course, owned by a Mr Rubirosa.  But I wonder...

Curious...

[Telegrams from the Street: July 16, 2010]

A restaurant in New York's SoHo.  Italian.

New?  I can't find much information about it. Possibly, of course, owned by a Mr Rubirosa.  But I wonder...

Rushing Through July: Ten Years Ago

[Pink Pig Time Machine by Wilfrid:  July 13, 2010]

Still playing catch up with my diary, let's dive in media res and place ourselves in front of Summerstage, Central Park, July 4th 2000.  For there is the goddess-like Joan Jett, doing all the things she still does so well.