mercat – 45 bond street
you could easily pass this restaurant by if you are too busy checking out the progress of the ian schrager’s chic new duds on bond street, but keep your eyes open because this has become one of my favorite spots in the city. to start off any lovely evening is a welcoming staff, the first time I went here the air conditioning was broke and this was the wrong day to have no a/c in steamy nyc. as soon as you sat down a smiling waiter came over with a complimentary glass of champagne to apologize for the heat. But I have to say, the heat just added to the vibe of the place. the decor is spanish inspired with dark wood and a wine cellar above the ground floor seating and an open kitchen.
the small plates of food were fantastic and you can easily find yourself stopping in here to either meet for dinner or sit at the white tiled bar to grab a glass of wine with a friend. Either way, this is a neighborhood fave.
