NEW YORK - May 2009

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey opened in New York in January 2000 and is located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Entrance is by referral and appointment only. Many New Yorkers assume that M&H is an urban myth but access is easy for London members seven nights a week until 4am. The place itself is owner Sasha's personal retaliation against celebrity-obsessed nightlife. One of the bar's rules prohibits "name-dropping and starfucking"; only mellow, non-famous folk receive the unlisted address; and all must call ahead to be buzzed in through the surveillance system-equipped door. The space encompasses a candlelit lounge, a four-seat bar and a few reservation-only booths. Sasha himself meticulously prepares each expensive cocktail, with blood oranges for screwdrivers and fresh mint for mojitos. Drinks often arrive with complimentary warm nuts or honey-drizzled sliced fruit. The intended effect is achieved—even a nice nobody can feel like royalty. That is, if you can get on the guest list.

Extra
Despite the fact that everybody's in the same club, groups at Milk and Honey don't tend to mingle. And don't even think of scoring phone numbers: Sasha has ordained that, "Gentleman will not introduce themselves to ladies."


From citysearch - http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11351686/

* Once buzzed through the unmarked door of this "tailor shop," the lucky few enter a sanctum of hushed reverence. The dimly lit space, which feels trapped in time, has several deep, cozy banquettes and a small bar. A single waiter gently whisks drinks on a candle-lit platter to and from the bar. The only sounds are the murmur of voices and the shaking of cocktails. It's not about being famous, and patrons range wildly in age, dress and social status. The drinks, guided by owner and cocktail celebrity Sasha Petraske's impeccable taste, are renowned for their inventiveness and nuance. There's no drink list; guests can ask for a specific concoction or make general requests about flavors and liquors and wait for the creative returns.

Milk & Honey / 134 Eldridge St. / New York, NY 10002 / 212.625.3397 / http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/newyork.php




Lupa Osteria Romana




Review
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/lupa-osteria-romana/

Lupa Osteria Romana / 170 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012 / 212-982-5089 / http://www.luparestaurant.com/


Bread

A stylish, pint-size panini parlor in SoHo that serves more than just paninis. Neighboring Balthazar supplies the ciabatta rolls and baguettes—the crusty building blocks for a dozen or so terrific, beautifully presented Italian sandwiches. Sandwich standouts include: Sicilian sardines with tomato and "Thai-pepper mayonnaise" on a baguette with a hot and crispy crust but a soft, moist crumb; aged Genoa salami with nutty Taleggio and a swipe of olive tapenade on ciabatta; and rich Italian tuna with lemon dressing on ciabatta.

At night, candles glow against this restaurant's silvery interior. A metallic bar and burnished open kitchen contrast the white-washed brick walls hung with local art, and ethereal indie music enhances the intimate mood. Though the name refers to goods procured from renowned bakery Balthazar down the block, Bread makes a name for itself with fresh and honest Italian fare. The bread stands out in signature sandwiches, but even loaf-less dishes exceed expectations. Don't overlook the ever-popular, marinara-rich tomato soup, thickened with seasonings and Parmesan cheese.


Bread / 20 Spring St. / New York, NY 10012 / 212.334.1015