Immaculate Infatuation

Like most people, the idea of gourmet Mexican is a bit foreign to us. Our south of the border cravings are usually accommodated by cheap tacos and a couple cans of Tecate. Needless to say, we were skeptical going in. $16 margaritas? $28-30 entrees? $21 for guacamole and two salsas? No offense Crema, but we could eat at Mercadito Cantina for a whole week at these rates. When spending our hard earned cash on expensive food, it’s usually not going to be on Mexican. Outrageous prices aside, Crema was a nice surprise. They impressed with a fancy New York take on traditional Mexican. Dishes like their big eye tuna burrito had pretty damn good flavors, textures, and presentation.

Let’s talk scene for one moment – Chelsea is not known for their restaurants so we’ll excuse the wacky clientele. On Infatuation’s recent stop at Crema, here’s what we were working with. To our left, what appeared to be an eHarmony first date between older bridge and tunnel hopefuls, rocking matching his and her bedazzled Ed Hardy gear. To our right, another date. This time, a rather large man, making a mess of himself while making ga ga eyes at his date from across the table. A date that, without a doubt, had at on point in her life, been a dude. Awesome.

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With the hordes of tourists and Al Roker groupies, we’re not big fans of Rockefeller Plaza, and unless you’re still holding on to Olympic dreams and hitting the skating rink every morning, you probably aren’t either. However, there are times when you’re looking for an outdoor drink and some eats before a show at Radio City, and Brasserie Ruhlmann benefits from location and a sweet patio. Chef Laurent Tourondel (BLT Prime, etc.) is certainly well known around town, and for the most part his restaurants are good but expensive. Brasserie Ruhlmann definitely fits into the latter category. The former? Not so much. Overall, the food at Brasserie Ruhlmann is disappointing. There are a few gems on the appetizer menu (the truffle fries are awesome), but the majority of the food isn’t worth the hefty price tag. Not only are you going to drop dollars, but the staff sports an over-the-top French attitude like they’re practicing for a role in the Broadway adaptation of Ratatouille. From now on we’re walking the extra few blocks to Bar Americain.

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Educating people about City Winery seems to have taken a little longer than expected. The fact that the majority of people I come in contact with are still unaware of City Winery’s existence is concerning. People are missing out on a truly unique addition to downtown Manhattan. City Winery is a sprawling adult playpen, boasting a full bar, restaurant, music venue, and yes, winery. This place is HUGE. What Brooklyn Bowl brings to the table for drunken hipsters, City Winery doubles down on for their more sophisticated peers. City Winery offers all sorts of wine events, classes, and pairings. Plus, people have the ability to create their own wine in house, complete with their own barrel and custom label.

The acoustics in the room are off the chain, and create one of the better sounding venues I’ve ever been to. Hopefully, sooner than later, City Winery will start diversifying their bookings a bit. Not that I have anything against Jill Sobule, Joseph Arthur, or Rachel Yamagata (they match up well with a glass of Cabernet), it’s just that it would be cool to see them book some hip indie rock you’d normally see at Bowery Ballroom or Webster Hall to mix things up a bit and bring in a different crowd.

City Winery offers over 500 wines, and they’ve created a selection of ideal accompaniments designed to bring out the best of each. The menu is a complicated animal with arrows pointing in every direction in order to help you pair wine with food. In theory, it’s a great idea, but in reality, it doesn’t translate well and is difficult to grasp. In any case, City Winery is careful to make sure the wine remains the focal point of the experience, but since our focus is on food, let’s talk about what we ate, not what we drank.

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As we’ve said before, finding quality Mexican food in New York City is like finding something on MTV that doesn’t make the planet dumber. Mexico Lindo is the needle in the haystack, and we’ve been satisfying our Mexican cravings there for years. A true family run establishment, Lindo has a homey feel, be it a quirky one. The best dishes in the house are the standards (tacos al carbon, fajitas, and enchiladas), although a few surprises on the menu keep things interesting. The black bean soup comes garnished with chopped red onion and banana, and is ridiculously good. Any steak dish is a winner, and the guacamole and salsa are very good. Note, if you’re looking for a pomegranate margarita, then you’ve apparently stumbled into the wrong place on your way to Tonic East. Mexico Lindo is for those out to drink a few Pacificos and put a hurting on a giant plate of fajitas. Now you know.

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A reliable place for a low key brunch, lunch, or dinner in Nolita, visit this little South American cafe for its eclectic crowd, cultural flavors, and communal feel. Although the tables are scrunched together and a bit uneven (assorted chairs and space at a minimum), it works. On weekday mornings, patrons sit solo with their paper and cup of coffee. On weekends, the place is packed with downtown brunchers and usually comes with a short and painless wait. 45 minute long jam-up at Habana? This is your backup plan. My one complaint, as usual, is that the menu is about $5 more expensive than it should be.

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