Immaculate Infatuation

When you think about it, Bark is a genius concept. Kids freak out over hot dogs, so why not set up shop in the most fertile section of Brooklyn? We counted an equal ratio of strollers to oversized headphones, a telling sign of a successful Park Slope operation. I don’t know that I’ve ever wolfed down multiple hot dogs, fries, half a burger and a malt shake and felt so good afterwards.

The key to Bark being the best new dog in show is their attention to detail. Josh Sharkey and co. are crafting wieners with a serious fire and desire. They grind their meat fresh every morning and slow cook each dog on a griddle to maximize flavor. They brew their own beer, pickle their own cucumbers, concoct all kinds of special sauces and only use recycled products in their restaurant. Bark is taking “fast food” to a whole other level. Speaking of pickles, Snooki where you at? We’re ready for you on an Immaculate Infatuation Pickles Across the City tour. First stop, Bark.

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I don’t believe that Spitzer’s, a self proclaimed “Gastro Pub” (see The Spotted Pig), is in any way associated with our recently disgraced governor, though it would not surprise me to run into him drinking one of their forty hand crafted beers gearing up for an evening of chasing under-age women around the Lower East Side. This establishment, by the way, has a strict ID policy, so be prepared to get carded and have your hand stamped before you sit down. Once you get past that and the ridiculously wide bench seats that require a gymnastics routine to get in and out of … you are in for a treat. This is some of the best “bar food” in the city. The menu at Spitzer’s is a masterful example of taking the basics and turning them into truly special, one-of-a-kind signatures. Do not miss the short rib burger or the serrano chicken sandwich – number one on my list of New York’s best chicken sandwiches.

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More so than any other section of NYC, West Village restaurants have a common neighborhood feel to them. Like the people who flock to them, these spots are understated, stylish and well groomed. The current king of the scene? Cafe Cluny. It doesn’t get much cuter (did I just say that?) than this place as it’s nestled on the ideal corner of W. 4th and W. 12th. Cluny is money for breakfast and a reliable option for lunch and dinner as well. It’s pretty much a can’t miss for all kinds of Infatuation “Perfect For” categories including Chronic Brunch , Neighborhood Hang , Date Night and After Work Drinks & Dinner. Next time you’re grabbing food in the WV, avoid the two hour wait at Joseph Leonard, don’t even consider The Place next door and get your Cluny on.

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The Smile is a relatively new “cafe and mixed use concept store” on Bond St. What does that mean? Well, it’s a rustic space that serves food and also sells housewares and nick-nacks to the coolest people you have ever seen. Essentially, it’s hipster Cracker Barrel.

Though The Smile has been open for close to a year now, we’re betting you haven’t heard much about it. Situated a few steps below the sidewalk, it’s a place that you have to be looking for to see, and other than the models and musicians that fill it for brunch, it remains relatively under the radar. Yes, brunch is popular, but it’s not yet overrun by the hoardes in this city that treat the meal like a sport. People eat and linger, everyone seems to know each other, and everyone looks really good – even with dirty hair and last night’s clothes on. Dinner service began only a few weeks ago, and like the breakfast and brunch menu, the food is surprisingly good. Imagine Freemans without the two hour wait. Things here feel laid back and matter-of-fact, as if those running the place have no interest in the hustle that can come along with making a New York City restaurant successful. Maybe they are simply confident that word will spread and people will come. Or maybe they just don’t want them to.

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We’ve been meaning to get to this Tribeca favorite for a while now, and we’re glad we finally did. The Harrison is the exactly kind of restaurant that we love – nice but not fancy, classy but not stuffy, with excellent food and unflappable consistency. It’s a great all-purpose dinner destination, and apparently that’s no secret. Most nights, the restaurant is operating at capacity, hosting a meal to all walks of New York life: singles, couples, neighborhood families, celebs, and models on dates with old guys. Why? Well because he’s got a lot of money and probably gives her drugs. Oh…why such a diverse crowd? Because The Harrison is one of the few places in town that gets it done no matter what you’re out for.

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