Artisinal

The room is vast and Terry Brennan has built a sweet bistro that rivals Balthazar in its ability to please the working palates of this city (on the former site of Larry Forgione’s An American Place Restaurant of 15 years ago). The wine list alone makes this a must-visit with over 200 bottles by the glass (offering a great variety for the price)! The kitchen is steady, but the cheese is the draw here – it is made by artisinal cheesemakers who care about the quality of their name. So if you like wine and the abundance of “fromages” it offers from around the world (many not pasteurized by US guidelines thank goodness), they can be ordered by the flight (6 cheeses or a dozen – you pick some and let the cheese monger do the rest). Try the Primadonna Blue, which will remind you of a Pixie Stix when it hits your tongue. Depending on the season and the supply (they once billed themselves as having the most int’l cheese in North America) and, while unsure if they can still make that boast on a Wednesday night (Murray’s Cheese Shop might take issue), it's a place that can still make for a wonderful night.

Grub: 8.25
Vibe: 8.25
Damage: $$$-$$$$
Faves: Primadonna Blue

- Frank O’Phile

Artisinal
32nd and Park Ave.
New York, NY
(at the nexus of where Park Ave meets it’s downtown cousin Park Ave South)