In my first visit to Blanca back in September 2018, I was a solo diner and had just moved to New York City pretty recently. I wrote down, “Really good. Definitely get the drink pairing. Michelin 2 star. $300 per person including drinks.” The vibe and space was absolutely fantastic. I then met my partner, and the pandemic arrived. Blanca shutdown and just simply never reopened until a few weeks ago.

This is the infamous Minetta Tavern. I had been here back in mid 2010s, and it was pretty good. Before I met my partner, I used to come here once every few months to just scarf their Black Label burger. The price for this was just barely over $20. Now in recent times post-pandemic, it’s been a bit more difficult to walk in without reservations. We were able to sit at the bar on a Friday late-afternoon around 4:55 PM without reservations.

I’ve been here a few times already, so this is now a proper post for it. This is a Jazzy restaurant that you can dine-in without paying a cover which is nice. The jazz itself is pretty fun, although predictable if you don’t listen to a special guest. This is a blackberry gimlet which has reyka vodka, fresh blackberries, and fresh lime. It was pretty good, and it wasn’t too sweet.

Jazzy bluegrassy restaurant. Same people as Fine & Rare.

Was surprisingly good. Good date place.

Good date spot, small intimate venue.

Was good but nothing particularly struck a note to me. Marc Forgione tasting menu is way better than here.

Was pretty good surprisingly, though the portion sizes were way too small. Ended up eating some rhubarb pie afterwards.

French Dip is really good here, espeically the au jus drippings.

New American centric. Cheap but not too expensive. In the Vale hotel.