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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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the BAR next door : Bar Felice

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The atmosphere was tangible sitting at the curved bar of Bar Felice, as the bartender carefully mixed the beautiful drinks. She moved with a precise grace, concentrating on the elaborate specialty cocktails or a measured pour of wine, while being attentive to those sitting at the bar.

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It was a cold night, and the dark sky flooded though the windows of Bar Felice, the lounge bar extension of Felice83; dim lights, cool décor, grey stripes, trendy finishes and fixtures. The live music was made staccato by exchanges of the staff in Italian. It was busy— people chatted and laughed, rhythmically drinking deep from their glasses. And the air was warm with sultry sauces, luxurious wine and colorful cocktails.

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Jacopo Giustiniani, co-owner of Bar Felice, blends his cultural heritage and familial legacy, to construct the beverage program. The drinks menu features a collection of signature wines from Giustiniani’s family’s winery in Italy, along with a handpicked selection of artisanal whiskeys and scotches and exclusive European beers.

Courtesy of Bar Felice

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Specialty drinks, developed by Salvatore Tafuri, are moments of Italy— some with aperol and campari flavors, prosecco accents, or are infused with wine. The Padova mixes refined Felice white wine with bitter aperol and campari to heighten the natural essence of the grapefruit juice. The Milano, though, is sweet; a refreshing mix of vodka and prosecco, l'esprit de june and white grape juice. But the Fiorentina is tangy and fruity, mixing a house-made raspberry purée with gin and cranberry juice, topped with club soda. Bar Felice also offers classic Italian cocktails like the Negroni, the Aperol Spritzer and the Garibaldi. The aesthetic of the cocktails are clean and polished, an integration of Italian inspiration and sophistication.

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The menu at Bar Felice, assembled by Felice’s executive chef Simone Parisotto, has a few small plates, which are perfect to pair with the curated list of beers, wines and specialty cocktails. It is also possible to order items off of the menu from Felice 83 next door. Light bites, like arancini, filled fried rice balls, taglieri, the chef’s selection of cured meats and cheeses, or olive marinate served with scamorza cheese are reminiscent of Italy, while sliders and patatine homefries offer American comfort with an Italian twist. 

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The homemade polpettine are chewy meatballs made with veal and lemon zest, drowned in a smooth tomato sauce. Fritto misto di calamari e verdure brings a satisfying crunch from thin fried strands of calamari, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus and carrots. A little lighter, the insalata di carciofi from the Felice menu, is sliced raw artichokes and hearts of palm on a bed of spicy arugula and topped with fat flakes of Parmesan. With provolone, mozzarella, parmesan and goat cheese the pasta al forno is heartier. The menu presents Tuscan charm with a New York City edge.

The light bites and hand picked beverage program, make Bar Felice a great spot for a lovely night out, a happy moment— felice.

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Bar Felice

1591 First Ave
New York, NY 10016
Ph. 212.249.4080

 

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