Last night I went out for an unconventional Tuesday dinner and drinks with my girlfriends sister and new fiance. The ladies, fans of good food, great wine - and convenience, selected Bar Jamon (on 17th and Irving Place). Bar Jamon is the wine bar attached to Mario Batali's Casa Mono. A popular alternative to the main dining area, it is usually crowded with an after work crowd, leaving the girls with a short wait upon arrival. The restaurant itself is very small and only seats about 15 people in an elevated picnic-table style with bar stool seating. You can opt to stand at the bar for your quick bite and drink if the wait proves too much for you. The ambiance is cozy, although a bit hot during rush hour and Mario Batali would have an issue sitting comfortably. The service, noticing the girls waning patience, was able to swoop in, hang their jackets, and seat them just before they moved on to Plan B. The decor reminds one of a livingroom, or library (with wine instead of books) and reminded all of us of the authentic restaurants in Barcelona and Madrid. The vibe was casual but intimate.
As I was en-route to the restaurant Tiffany had this to share:
"Since Patty nor myself are accustomed to reading the Spanish language or well versed in the native wines, we started off with a great recommendation for a nice dryer white wine: Ribeiro Vina Mein 2008 (around $40/bottle). Being a Pinot Grigio lover, it was absolutely perfect. Light and refreshing with some mild fruit flavor and not TOO dry. We also ordered the Pan Con Tomate, which was delicious. Basically just two halves of Italian bread toasted, and rubbed with garlic, salt, pepper and the juice/seeds of a tomato. Simple and delicious."
The luck of the Irish was with me as I walked in, as the ladies beside Tiffany and Patty were getting ready to leave. We ordered another bottle of wine, the Jamon Serrano Fermin, and two types of cheeses which each came with a great fruit accompaniment: the Tres Manchegos & Membrillo and the Valdeon & Figs. The cheeses are categorized by sheep, cow, and goat (listed on the menu [and profusely explained by the server] as; oveja, vaca ,cabra.) The Serrano jamon was delicately hand sliced (on the pictured slicer) and mouthwatering - just as we expected. The tres manchego, which was unanimously decided as our favorite cheese, went perfectly with the membrillo, which is a firm, sticky, sweet paste made of quince fruit. Tiffany was keen to point out that the Membrillo was a playful take on a fresh cut of Ahi tuna (with color to match) and tasted of apricot jam. The valdeon, which was a creamy cow's blue cheese was excellent as well. All served with some Italian bread. (A minor complaint in the bread area - as the bread seemed to be sitting for a few hours, more suitable to table bread & butter serving, not the backbone for a meal).
After a few more glasses of wine (This was a celebration!) Chris, Patty's fiance arrived and sat down. Being a man of true blood as myself, we ordered another bottle of wine. We also explored some more food. Chris ordered the tres manchegos again (he couldnt resist) as well as the duck liver served on sourdough toast. (*Note- if I go back I will request this toast with all my food) The foie was served with a beautiful apricot jam, and the sweet and salty combination of the dish was very pleasing. We also ordered the Marinated Calamare and Mussels en Escabeche. At first bite, Tiffany thought the mussels were a bit oily - with the thought that the "drizzle" in balsamic vinagrette and olive oil was a bit heavy-handed. This plate was far and away the winner for me. The quality of ingredients in Batali's dishes was no more evident in this dish, where something like a plate of mussels can hold such complex and delicate flavors. The natural melody of sweet and salt on the mussels were really emphasized by the smooth flavor of the oil, and slight bitter touch of the vinegar. The calamari (pronounced Cal-ah-mahd) was quickly named Tiffany's favorite -the thin sliced calamare was marinated and touched with just the right amount of citrus to be dubbed "a ceviche". Served with toasted Italian bread (*Also fresh) and finely cut bitter cabbage, this dish placed second for me. The size of these two tapas were an extremely welcome surprise - the serving was substantial for a small plate and left us all very satisfied.
Hunger sated - the girls thirst quenched with wine, myself and Chris decided to ask for a beer recommendation. After a thorough description by our server of the premier "Alhambra," (a blond ale, with the taste similar to a wheat) Chris and I opted for a large bottle. The texture was crisp, with a nice after-bite- a flavor smooth (almost caramel-like), the bottle was enough for the four of us to enjoy as our desert.
Overall, I think Bar Jamon the perfect place for a small celebration similar to ours or an intimate 3rd or 4th date. The atmosphere is crowded and warm, with a sultry undertone, and the food does not fail to impress. The service got a little slow as the restaurant got filled, but the servers happily take orders if you walk up to the bar. Bar Jamon was authentic and consistent, and after I brush up on my Spanish, I would most definitely return for some more.
Salud,
GG
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