Joaquin Baca on W4th

Wilfie & Nell has nearby Murray's CheeseShop and Blue Ribbon Bakery to thank for the success of the Crunchy Grilled Cheese. With an option of Cheddar, Talegio or Gruyere, the thick pullman bread is browned and served hot, not warm. The tapas portion is adequate if accompanied, but you may be tempted to order another round of the grilled cheese instead of another item on the Irish menu. 

Extra Virgin Lobster Rav

Joey Fortunato is consistent with his Mediterranean seafood at Extra Virgin off W 4th. Assuming you can handle the crowded noise level, the chef proves the selections to be even better when they come out than how they sound on the menu. The limited selection of wine is meant to pair well with just about any of the dishes, including the chardonnay mussels. Despite the "new scene" atmosphere, the taste of the lobster ravioli with warm asparagus and basil did the trick. What sounds like a rich dish is light enough to be an appetizer, even though its listed as an entree. The pasta is delicate enough to not overpower any other taste, but still carries a distinct flavor. Capturing the theme of the restaurant, the taste of olive oil can be found all over the menu, and if not, a dish of it sits on the table at all times. And to fill up the table with some signature sides, its no surprise the hipster Greenwich Village spot features truffle mac n cheese tart and truffle whipped potatoes.

Bitesize Chipwich

Cioccolata!

Each dish at  Osteria Morini comes out on an old authentic Italian style plate. Recognized for his handmade pasta recipes like truffled mascarpone ravioli, Michael White doesn't see too many plates with food left on them returning to the kitchen. The Romagna inspired menus range from duck liver tortellini at dinner to pancetta and gorgonzola scone at brunch. As enjoyable as each dish is, the dessert is not to be looked over at this new Soho staple. Although its common for a menu to incorporate changes with the seasons, it would be rare to find a time of year that doesn't offer a rich bittersweet chocolate option. There is something to be said where each portion is perfectly formed for the diner and not simply served as a cut out piece of the pie. This particular hard tart-like shell surrounds layers of thick creamy chocolate-sized perfectly to be able to also enjoy the sea salt and caramel topping all in one bite. As for presentation, the sweet white ice cream sitting on a garnish of coffee crunch gives the color contrast needed.