Cellar Rats - Wine Lists Reviewed » Lower East Side

Alias

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:49:51 +0000

Freemans

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:49:45 +0000

If you get past the cocktails without reaching your fill, you’ll find a wine list commited to biodynamic and organic wines focused on the old world. In fact, everything at Freemans has the stamp of tastes and flavors from an earlier time.
Don’t overlook quintessential choices of a classic Europhile sensibility, or a delicious rustic cider by the bottle. And while the theatrical scene can distract you from the business at hand, there are succinct notes on their bottle offerings to help you make a quick decision.
Formidable quality comes at a price, and while there are many selections at approachable prices, the emphasis is on wines as easy to like and their hearty and satisfying food.

Cafe Katja

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:57:36 +0000

Little Giant

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:23:27 +0000

National Cafe

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:12:31 +0000

National feels like a neighborhood standard, despite being one of the new kids on the block. Nothing fancy. little fuss. Many a small neighborhood bistro-style cafe fails when it comes to the wine list. The National comes through with a very short list of solid, confident offerings.

Slated decidedly toward European standards, bottles from Bordeaux and the Rhone stand next to selections from the northern reaches of Italy or eastern Europe. A good balance from refreshing whites to stout, sturdy reds makes pairing easy, whether you order steak, seafood, chicken, or…their delectable tacos.

Sit back, relax and enjoy, the neighborhood cafe vibe. Don’t worry about the wine. At The National, someone already is.

Frankies Spuntino

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:01:59 +0000

Many a wine list succeeds by adhering to a time-honored, if simplistic, formula: serve wine that drinks well with food. Keep it fresh, keep it simple, keep to wines built for washing down the restaurant’s main focus – the vittels. Frankies follows this formula, follows it well in some respects, but follows it also to the point of being formuliac.
For a restaurant the churns out simple and uncomplicated food that somehow ends up tasting idiosyncratic and complex, the wine list stocks more than a few whites and reds that taste – you guessed it – white and red. This is particularly true for selections by the glass and bottles priced at less than $40.

The mostly Italian list does show promise in the upper reaches of its down to earth price points. Climbing above $50 might grab something that satisfies if not gratifies. To be astonished or surprised, shoot for $75 and higher. If you’re not feeling Italian, a choose from a handful of easy drinkers from the New World and France.

‘inoteca cucina

admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:51:17 +0000

Part wine bar, part neighborhood watering hole, part homage to all things good about rustic Italian, ‘inoteca cucina hits the sweetspot in so many ways, one couldn’t be blamed for heading there everyday of the week. Careful, they will be open.
You won’t be the only one. ‘inoteca is more apt to draw a crowd than not. What exactly draws them is up for interpretation. Location certainly. The opportunity to plant yourself at the intersection of everything Lower East Side and quaff a glass selected from a 350ish bottle winelist spanning the entirety of the Italian wine universe. But location and a prodigious wine list can’t explain the entire bargain. ‘inoteca does many things well, throwing fine atmosphere, classy digs, stellar noshables, and a friendly and helpful, although not entirely wine savvy, staff into the mix.
Not finding a seat waiting for you may be the only reason to avoid the place. Never fear, weekdays can be much more manageable, and a 4 A.M. (every A.M.) closing time, ensures an open spot as long as you can stay up – and sober – past midnight