The Short List, Vol. 1: Five Essential Spots
By Todd Shaw
Everyone has been asked this question before: “So where should we go tonight?” Answering that question used to be really daunting and usually involved an endless array of Google searches. No more, my friends. SALT and The Short List are here to help make that decision a whole lot easier. On a yet to be determined basis, we are going to feature some restaurants and bars that we, the people, truly enjoy. Vol. 1, Five Essential Spots, features a diverse list of places that can get you through your social calendar for the next month. Without further adieu, The Short List, Vol. 1.
ATERA: 77 Worth St., New York, New York
Lists to add to: Tribeca, New American, Special Occasions, Date Nights, Chef’s Counter.
To put it simply, Atera is a sublimely perfect and incredibly fun chef’s counter featuring some of the best New American food in New York City. Throughout my meal I watched in awe as each plate of food was delicately assembled by three or four chefs working together in harmonious fashion. Although the food is taken seriously, the atmosphere is kept light by the subtle tunes of Michael Jackson and Nirvana playing in the background. I nearly fell off my chair laughing when my iPhone (which was sitting out) was subtly and gently placed in the pocket of a folded up napkin so that it could rest comfortably next to me while I dined. My recommendation, try their incredibly inventive cocktails or splurge on the tea tasting which accompanies the meal.
ATOBOY: 43 East 28th Street, New York, New York
Lists to add to: Nomad, Korean, Tasting Menus, Great Bargains, Good for Groups
Spanish tapas are out (not really) and Korean small plates are in (sure). For just $36 you can choose any three plates on their eclectic menu. The dishes are remarkably large enough to share with at least one other person and truly packed with unique flavors. Think sunchoke with oyster mushroom, black truffle and orange, or pork jowl with barley, ssamjang and cipollini onion. Although the space is minimalist, the drink selection is not. There is a hefty selection of beer, wine, sake, and cocktails. The best part, you can share a whole lot of food, get a few drinks, and leave having spent less than a hundo.
ST. ANSELM: 355 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
Lists to add to: Williamsburg, American, Steakhouse, Eat at the Bar
To be clear, everything at St. Anselm is really, really good. But the Butchers Steak (a hanger stake with garlic butter for $24) and grilled seafood (a whole mackerel for $17) steal the show. I went at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday and waited a little over an hour for two seats at the counter. However, the wait is half the fun because you can sit next door at Spuyten Duvyil and have a few beers in their lovely garden. Any beers you haven’t finished when your table is called you can bring with you (because I’m too old to pound a hefeweizen) by entering through St. Anselm’s back door.
NOORMAN’S KIL: 609 Grand Street, Brooklyn, New York
List to add to: Williamsburg; Bars; Whisky; Grilled Cheese; Outdoor Space
Norman’s Kil features over 400 different kinds of whisky and at least a half dozen incredibly good grilled cheeses that provide the perfect coating to help get you through the night or allow you to function the next morning. The bartenders know their shit and can make some great recommendations; or you can roll the dice and pick the whiskey with the name you can pronounce. If the weather is nice, sit in their backyard for a truly relaxing experience.
MAIELLA: 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City, New York
Lists to add to: Long Island City, Italian, Pizza, Great Cocktails, Eat at the Bar
Maiella does not feel like a quintessential Italian joint. It’s sprawling, airy, and has some great waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline. Although you can make a reservation and sit in their gorgeous dining room or waterfront patio, my recommendation is to try and grab a seat at their impressive circular bar and order a Robiola pizza and Sarrono Sour. Oh, and fear not SALTers, the 7 train has been running pretty well for a while now (crap, did I just jinx it?). It’s an easy trip and there are always green cabs present to take you home if you get a little sauced (get it? Italian joint — sauced).
