Delectable Bin

Bin on Bleecker is a stellar place to grab a drink after work and share some divine dishes. Lawrence Bondulich's latest West Village wine bar specializes in organic wines (try the 2008 Finca San Martin Rioja) and rustic cuisine. The locovore focus is evident in the extensive wine list & the purchase of groceries locally, sometimes within blocks of the restaurant or at bodegas around the corner.

Bin's atmosphere is trendy, romantic, and completely welcoming. The restaurant is artfully lit with a white marble bar, tufted leather seating, and antique lamps hanging low over diners' distressed wood tables. The open kitchen is tucked in a corner and the tables are candle-lit, set with red-rimmed linen napkins that compliment the rustic decor. (Sports fan, don't fear - there's a large flat screen over the bar as well.)

We started with a crostini trio served on a rustic wooden cutting board, whose presentation immediately had me reminiscing of my culinary adventures through Tuscany. The prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and roasted red pepper combination was the highlight for me. Though not a new mix of ingredients, the components were so fresh and simple that I was once again reminded that food is as good as the quality of its ingredients.

Though we tried appetizing dishes like hearty rabbit ragout, perfectly-crunchy arancini, and warm apple tart, my favorite taste was the Toma cheese, wild boar salami, and honey tasting plate. Toma was the evening's cheese special (warning to cheese lovers, it may not always be available) but based on its taste, I am certain every cheese Bin selects is spectacular.

Toma is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy. It has the flavor of bleu cheese, but it's much milder and has notes of nuts & fruit in each bite. Boar's salami is a cured meat that begs to be sampled - it's a leaner, tangier meat and reflects the natural diet of the wild board (nuts, berries, roots, etc...) Sidenote: If you're ever in Tuscany, visit San Gimignano, where allegedly boar's salami originated (or is the best?)... I can't remember which of the two, but trust me, it's well worth a visit.

Bartender Josh Taub had to get creative with the recently added cocktails list, given the no-spirits wine bar setup. The drink list is very inventive, serving drinks like the Godzilla, a sake Bloody Mary with jalapenos and a celery salt rim.

A must try is the Milk and Cookies (adults only, please!) This seriously-delicious dessert drink combines port with milk for a flavor unlike anything I've had before. Easy enough to make at home, you say, but trust me, it won't be as good as the one I devoured at Bin. It's the perfect ending to a dinner that I can't wait to have again.

— Written by Anna Boyadjieva

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Tags : Wine, Bin on Bleecker, food, gourmet, Behind the Burner

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