a UNION of flavors: Union Bar & Kitchen Opens in West SoHo

RER 5.20.14

Smoky sounds emanated from the accordion glass doors, opened wide to the SoHo street, letting the first breezes of summer into Union Bar & Kitchen. The low sunlight of the early evening reflected on the mirror just above the bar and antique mirrors wrapping the walls, played on the white subway tile and danced on the high ceilings.

Another glance up led to the elaborate paintings, transporting diners to another era depicting old time streets, jazzy feasts, and live music complete with a chanteuse. Artist, Clifford Bailey, brings forward the roaring twenties and a kind of liberation that hums to the tune of Owner, Executive Chef, and General Manager, Jonathan Renert’s vision— a union of flavors in a comfortable setting, a restaurant bar to get lost in time in and enjoy the present tense.

Newly open, UBK presents a lively mix of New American cuisine with global influences including Mexican, Asian and French twists. Dinner offers classics—  daily selection of oysters, clam chowder and moules mariniere to west coast cioppino rubbed rotisserie chicken. Lunch brings taquitos, fish tacos, and pulled chicken sandwiches. The bar menu puts a spin on the bar food cliché with smoked trout devilled eggs and Three Little Pig pork belly sliders. A clean drinks menu proposes diverse cocktails, a variety of draft and bottled beers, and a wide range of wines.

RER 5.20.14

Smooth and creamy bright green guacamole with a radiant note of lemon came paired with crunchy triangle chips. Each fresh and full, while the jalapeño cornbread spoke volumes of comfort and warmth at home.

RER 5.20.14

RER 5.20.14

Delicate strands of spicy red pepper threaded through the Hamachi Tartare, while cubed yellow tail played with the tiny beads of sesame and poppy seeds. Even the briny capers sang, bringing studs of salt and firmness. A crispy crust led to the succulent oyster at the heart of the fried oysters, drizzled with the heat of chili  tonkatsu sauce and cooled with tangy tarter sauce underneath— a blending of feelings.

RER 5.20.14

RER 5.20.14

Perfectly cooked hanger steak marinated for 24 hours produced a gamey essence and rhythm, but stumped. While the creamed spinach was cozy, dotted with soft carrots and celery. Hot French fries boasted herbal melodies of rosemary and earthy chords of potatoes and spice. A chili avocado slaw decorated the crunchy tilapia nestled deep in warmed flour tortillas, pulling together a harmonious taste of somewhere else in the popular fish tacos. Clear and straightforward dishes were elevated with quality, depth and details.

RER 5.20.14

JAR 5.20.14

Cubes of chocolate brownie dusted with powdered sugar spoke secrets of raspberry compote and ancho chili adding crunch and heat to the sweet ending, which made the chocolate deeper and more sophisticated. Peanut butter also got an elevated treatment, warm and salty mixed with the crunch of fried tortilla in this dessert take on chimichangas, pretty with a boule of vanilla ice cream.

UBK’s curated menu contains memories of the familiar while twists introduce international accents. The assemblage offers moments of here and there that illustrates the background of Renert, emphasized in the timeless décor, vibing art and unpretentious ambiance.

RER

5.20.14

RER 5.20.14

Union Bar & Kitchen

300 Spring Street
New York City, NY 10013

Tel: (646) 791-0005

eclectic EATS and sumptuous SIPS: Wine Spot

The hushed buzz of good conversation over great wine and the constant hum of popular music fill Wine Spot’s intimate lower level. A warm fireplace, little lanterns on each table and dim lighting set a far away atmosphere, complete with comfortable chairs and ornamented mirrors. The upper level has a similar feeling, distant from the realities of the bustling city and closer to elsewhere.

RER 4.2.14

Wine Spot (see more here) is not only an ambiance that transports and dislodges the forces of time; it is also a place to indulge in a deliciously curated wine selection. Owner and sommelier Gabriela Arzola has crafted a precise assortment of international wines. A rich and full Atteca Granacha Old Vines from Spain would coat the tongue of any wine drinker supplying distinct satisfaction. Or a juicy and sweet Clean Slate Riesling would tingle the taste buds of connoisseurs and newbies alike. Fresh and fruity house favorite red sangria could provide refreshing relief. Wine Spot also offers tours of Italy, Spain and the USA through its wine flights; travel with just a sip.

 A hand-selected wine menu is definitely a highlight of the wine bar, but the list of global tapas-style dishes and cheese and meat plates only add excellence.

RER 4.2.14

A classic bowl of macaroni and cheese would warm any soul, but the truffle mac & cheese at Wine Spot gives the comfort food an update. Creamy and aromatic, the pasta dish is laced with just enough truffle to heighten the adult flavors of the Italian Fontana cheese. The delicate flourish of dried rosemary bringing something distinct and different in taste and texture.

RER 4.2.14

Tucked in a tiny casserole dish the choripan dish offers a complete and round flavor profile, featuring Spanish chorizo nestled in a light potato roll. Biting into the elevated hotdog, welcomes the pop of the sausage’s outer skin and the rush of the fatty meat. A ribbon of an herbed aioli adds further elegance, while tomato slices and buttery lettuce capture familiarity. The mix brings to mind utter comfort and gastronomical delight.

RER 4.2.14

The two arepas come with a tiny squeeze bottle of chipotle mayo for optional enhancement. The arepa de queso is soft from the liquid of the fresh mozzarella cheese wedged between the two light Venezuelan corn cakes. The corn is not overwhelming, but is just enough to add texture and a feeling of somewhere else. Even though the tender shredded beef of the arepa de carne mecha is a little wet and greasy, the cake is unaffected but rather soaks up the delicious flavors of spices and time.

RER 4.2.14

Wine Spot’s tres leches is sinful, sumptuous and seductive. It is dense with layers of cake and sweet luxury topped with a necessary indulgent swirl of whipped cream. The healthy portion feels like a cross between soaked cake and an indolent pudding, laden with caramelized notes of sweetened condensed milk. Each spoonful is a getaway and happiness.

The rich combination of plush wines, eclectic eats and an inviting atmosphere makes Wine Spot the consummate hangout and leisurely escape.

RER

4.2.14

RER 4.2.14