Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nearby Union Sq, Maialino's iterations of rustic Italian fare are exquisite; one taste of the
extraordinary
brodetto
(seafood stew), and we swear you'll agree.
The $35 prix-fixe lunch is great value, especially if you opt for the pricier items.
(
212-777-2410;
www.maialinonyc.com
; 2 Lexington Ave, at 21st St; mains lunch $19-26, dinner $28-72;
7:30am-10:30pm Mon-Fri, from 10am Sat & Sun;
6, N/R to 23rd St)
9
Casa Mono
$$$
TAPAS
Another success story from Mario Batali and chef Andy Nusser, Casa Mono features a
great, long bar where you can sit and watch your Michelin-starred tapas being made, as
well as tables for more discrete conversation. Either way, get set for flavor-slamming bites
like cauliflower crema with raw sea urchin and Vadouvan. Around the corner lies Batali's
fun, communal
Bar Jamón
.
(
212-253-2773;
www.casamononyc.com
;
52 Irving Pl, btwn 17th & 18th
Sts; small plates $9-24;
noon-midnight;
L, N/Q/R, 4/5/6 to Union Sq)
10
Ess-a-Bagel
$
It's simply impossible to resist the billowy tufts of sesame-scented smoke that waft out
onto First Ave. Inside, crowds of lip-smacking locals yell at the bagel mongers for their
classic New York snack topped with generous gobs of cream cheese. And those gaudy,
jewel-dripping chandeliers jammed into the Styrofoam ceiling? You stay classy, Ess-a-Ba-
gel.
(
DELI
212-260-2252;
www.ess-a-bagel.com
; 359 First Ave, at 21st St; bagels from $1.65;
6am-9pm Mon-Fri,
to 5pm Sat & Sun;
L, N/Q/R, 4/5/6 to Union Sq)
