Treat: Corsino Cantina NYC

How do you choose a restaurant to take an out of town guest, especially one who is a "foodie"?

For me, the place has to have all the right ingredients: Friendly service without attitude; fun neighborhood (preferably below 25th St.); great food in a casual atmosphere and parking available on the street! (key for me).

Corsino Cantina is such the place.

We stumbled into this casual eatery one January night, freezing, looking for shelter and a good bourbon drink.

The bartender welcomed us in out of the cold and made us fantastic Manhattans w/ organic bourbon and brought out crostini w/ chicken liver to warm us right up. We liked this place instantly and couldn't wait to go back.

It's located in the West Village, one block from the trendy Meat Packing District, but just far enough away to be peaceful without the rowdy frat boys and 20 somethings who keep their sunglasses on at night.

The wines by the glass are all Italian (no Chardonnay at this place, thankfully), and are well thought out and special, as are their small batch vodkas, bourbons and gins.

It's osteria style, with antipasti and crostini galore and a few market fresh main dishes to choose from.

I had the pleasure of meeting Seattle blogger, Dana Treat here last week for a wonderful Tuscan style lunch. Tons of vegetable and homemade pasta dishes for my vegetarian friend to choose from.

My favorite veggie side dish in the city is the big bowl of fried brussels sprouts w/ chilis and breadcrumbs. It is ridiculous.

I met Dana years ago thru blogging, and we have remained friends ever since. She has a great vegetarian blog and is culinary director at a cool store in Seattle called the Book Larder, a place that sells cookbooks, and offers cooking classes as well as having book signings and other fabulous food stuff going on. She is also a mom of 2 little boys and teaches yoga.

The crostini is always excellent. We shared the fresh ricotta w/ honey; fennel w/ orange & walnuts; caramelized onion w/ boquerones and many more.

The burrata on toast w/ broccoli rabe and pepperanata is orgasmic, as is everything else on the menu.

Next time you are downtown, make sure you check out Corsino!

* And if you are going to get ink, make sure it's meaningful (no tramp stamps please). I love Dana's beautiful chive tattoo.
It's original and beautiful, just like she is.

Corsino Cantina
637 Hudson St.
NYC
Ph 212.242.3093

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