Graffiti

Meet the most genuinely nice chef/owner in all of NYC at Graffiti, located on 10th between 1st and 2nd ave. Without reservations, Cyndi and I arrive at this busy and TINY (22 seats) restaurant with dim lighting and really random gadgets against the brick walls. Cyndi started with a prosecco lychee martini which basically was prosecco and lychee sorbett in a martini glass (ah-maz-ing) and I opted for a well-balanced Grenache.. We then shared pickeled ginger scallops, pork dumplings, graffiti burger with garlic figerling potatoes and chipotle mayo, and the green chilli shrimp wih a sprout salad. Chef Jehangir Mehta mixes indian flavors with contemporary American classics and the results are delicious. This is a great place to sample different flavor combinations and maybe even make friends with fellow foodies! We decided Graffiti is definetely not "first date" appropriate because if there's any ackward moments then everyone will know! My favorite part of the whole experience was when Chef Jahangir offered Cyndi a tissue after noticing she had the sniffles..Talk about service! We also loved the check presenter which was a plain white envelope covered in compliments and drawings by patrons.. We even made one up on our own! We say this is def a MUST GO in the east village!

The "H head" of 7th St. and Ave. A

We all know him down here, but even this is random for this poor junkie... Toilet paper, anyone?

Chikalicious Dessert Club

YUM comes to mind! Please make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth by checking out this little modern dessert joint located on 10th btwn 1st and 2nd! Jo and I tried the chocolate mousse cake and the apple tart (we asked for a vanilla a la mode).. The apple tart was one of the best we've ever eaten! And if you feel like REALLY indulging, check out its mother dessert bar across the street. It's much more about the experience than it is about the "quick fix".

Our East Village Adventures

So we thought we would start with the East Village considering it's Cyn's place of residence and because of its eclectic diversity. From little romantic hole in the wall restaurants, to hipster wannabe bars, whatever it is you're looking for..you can find it here. We decided to check out this highly praised newcomer restaurant called "Matilda", who is "cutely" enough named after the owner's daughter. The first thing that intrigued us to go was the whole "mexican and italian" fusion concept. Although it sounds interesting in theory, we weren't very impressed. Yes, it was definetely good and uniquely thought out food, but it lacked spice and that certain je ne sais quoi.. The guacamole included basil instead of cilatro (duh) and no jalapenos. Jo chose to order shrimp and monkfish tacos which included no italian element aside from the ever so clever guac with basil and a boring mixed salad with no dressing, which frankly is a HUGE pet peeve of ours. We must say, however, the tortilla was one of most autentic mexican flavors we've had in NY and where most tacos fall apart after the second bite, this one held up all the way through. Cyn opted for a soup who the waiter said had a "kick" but yet lacked salt, pepper, or any "kick" what so ever. Overall we did enjoy Matilda, even that watermelon sangria that they try to pass off as a margarita because their wine and beer only license doesn't allow the tequila! What a bummer! So in conclusion, we decided that if you're looking for a cheaper "sex and the city" type of night with your girlfrends in a pink and white setting, this would be an ideal spot. Just don't expect to get drunk off of the cocktails.

Matilda
647 E. 11th st. (bet. ave b & c)
(212)777-3355
www.matildarestaurant.com