Let’s be honest, if you’re going to go to Gemma, you’re not going for the food; you’re going for the scene. If you’re looking to have an amazing romantic dinner with some of the best Italian food this city has to offer, keep looking (We strongly suggest MAX in the East Village). However, if you’re looking to go out with a big group, celebrate a birthday, and have a really good time, this is perfect. The food isn’t terrible, it’s just not the main attraction here. We had a couple of solid dishes that were appropriately priced, and left happily full with no regrets. There are a lot of big spaces in the back which are set up perfectly for large parties. The place has a great vibe, an amazing drink menu, and is as lively as any place east of the Meat Packing district. After dinner, The Library Bar at the Bowery Hotel is a perfect spot for a drink, as is Von, an Immaculate Infatuation favorite on Bleecker and Bowery.
I am completely obsessed with Ippudo. 100% over the top obsessed. Three reasons for my obsession in order: incredible pork buns, two for one Kirin special at the bar during weekday evenings, best ramen in the city. Ippudo is a well known chain in Japan, whose main game is ramen noodles. This is the restaurant’s first location to open outside of the homeland, and judging by the near one hour wait every time I go there (day or night), they are doing quite well. Ippudo does not take reservations, but there is almost always room at the bar to squeeze two bodies up to the counter and start sucking down Kirins while you wait. Though the front bar area is fairly humdrum, you will be surprised by the relatively large and slick space that is the dining room, which stands out in comparison to the minimalist Momofukus and the bare bones feel of the other East Village ramen joints. This place has a great, fun vibe (chefs in pajamas constantly yelling to the staff in Japanese), and the waiters are always polite and attentive.
I have read a lot about this place lately, mostly about the adventurous and allegedly amazing pork dishes that populate the menu. Looking for a new spot to add to my rotation, I decided to give it a try on Saturday night. Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed with the room. Think rustic farmhouse, but not over the top … tastefully done. It’s a big space with high ceilings, yet it still feels comfortable. Adding immensely to the vibe is the fact that they pump great tunes into the room at a well balanced volume – just quiet enough to talk over, and yet loud enough that the table next to you won’t hear every word of your conversation. The bar selection is good, with five or six beers on tap (mostly east coast micro-brews), a serviceable wine list, and prices are reasonable. My meal at Irving Mill was fantastic. The dishes were daring enough to impress any food snob, yet the menu was diverse and varied, well suited to please pretty much anyone you bring. I’m going back soon … and bringing friends.
From the outside looking in, this place looks like a mafia hang-out. I would have never expected this establishment to house some of the best food and drink in the East Village. They’ve gotten a lot of hype for their cocktails (and deservedly so, one of the best Dark & Stormys I’ve ever had) yet the food is just as good. Each dish was presented with a nice mix of Latin flavors from all across South America. At first glance, I thought the menu was a bit expensive, but the quality of the food totally justified it. For a compact restaurant, they do well with that space so you don’t feel cramped – plus the bar area is great for drinks while you wait for your table. The staff was extremely friendly and very attentive. The owner was around the entire time, making sure everyone was taken care of and everyone from the waiters on down to the bus boys/girls were on top of their game. Good drinks. Good food. Good service. Good vibe. What more can you ask for?
Giveaway: Dinner On Us
