Charlie Bird, New York

February 24, 2014

Rarely have I used the words ‘effortlessly cool‘ when speaking of a restaurant. They seem more fitted to describing a fashionable friend than an eating establishment and yet, they fit Charlie Bird like a glove. The Italian-American restaurant at the border of Soho and the Village has a fresh and young vibe with its color-splashed menus and old school hip-hop in the background all the while playing the sophisticated card with a marble bar, elegant setting, and serious wine with bottles reaching $295.

I must admit it’s one of my favorite discoveries of late and while it has something to do with the well laid-out, inviting space and huge windows, the food doesn’t disappoint either. I visited at lunch time so focused on smaller plates than what’s being offered in the evening and everything was stunning, from the briny razor clams appetizer to the luscious polenta and perfectly cooked octopus. Paired with their expertly crafted wine list (and don’t worry they have plenty of original and affordable options) and a super friendly service, it was a meal to remember and my new neighborhood ‘go-to’. I know I’ll get excited every time I visit and will be proud to introduce my new very fashionable ‘friend’.

Razor clams with fennel and pickled chiles