You didn't think I would let an event like VittlesVamp's first anniversary come and go without a proper celebration, did you? And, what kind of celebration would it be without food, drink and merriment - and good company.
Luckily, my friends Jenn and Pam were able to provide the good company. The amiable folks at Alta, a charming West Village spot, provided the food and drink. And, the combination of the three made merriment a natural conclusion.
Mother Nature wasn't in a merriment frame of mind, however. With the monsoon that was coming down outside, Alta had a tough crowd last Friday night - one desperately in need of warmth, hospitality and comfort. To think - I'm a tough customer under the best conditions.
I took the few soaking wet steps down to the restaurant's doors, and opened them quickly to escape the rain. At the very least, even if the restaurant was lousy, I'd get dry.
The "very least" wasn't what I got. I shook off my sopping wet shoulders, looked up and I was immediately enveloped in what appeared to be a European hideaway, complete with exposed stone and brick, a sea of wooden tables and a soaring, cathedral ceiling in the main dining room, aglow in soft, amber light thrown off by rustic chandeliers. It was enchanting.
The long bar that line the entrance hall beckoned (picture above). I took a seat and began to study the wine list before my posse arrived. France, Italy and Spain were well-represented, in keeping with the range of French, Italian and Spanish-influenced dishes on the menu.
Once Jenn and Pam joined, it didn't take us long to settle on a bottle to split among the three of us, a well-rounded, dark cherry Erta, Renzo Masi, Cab-Sangiovese 2000. Food, was a bit more difficult. Everything sounded marvelous. We finally asked the manager for a bit of direction and ended up with a lusty Smoked Eggplant and Lebne dip, with Za
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