An original storefront at this corner of the FDB corridor was formerly a completely gutted space that lacked character but designer Jonsara Ruth has brought back a bit of old Harlem with reclaimed Thonet chairs that have been randomly painted with bright colors, a floor of old school unglazed black hex tiles, elegant antique milk glass lamps and a collection of impressive crystal are on display. An old painted church pew that serves as the corner banquet out front has a rich contrasting hew that accents the zinc tables. There is also a zinc bar which serves up cocktails and has a tap that makes sparkling water on site. Everything was done on a tight budget but Vinateria now has the most sophisticated space on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and is worth visiting just for the design of the interior.
As far as the menu is concerned, South Harlem should expect another reasonably price establishment that will be affordable enough for diners to visit a couple of times a week. A preview menu was served last night which feature grilled octopus salad, hand-cut beef tartare, fava beans with mint agnolotti in brown butter and a rosemary panacotta. There are also less exotic offerings include striped bass and strip steak for those who want a less complicated meal.
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Looks like a very well designed interior. I think doing it on a tight budget forces creative thinking and results in a charm that a blank checkbook cannot achieve. Great review and photos.
ReplyDeleteI went last night and while the space is lovely found the food a bit underwhelming and skimpy on the portions considering the price point. While much of the food items are more like tapas the entree that I ordered, striped bass, was a tiny sliver. The steaks we saw at he table next to us were equally diminutive.
ReplyDeleteSo we went a couple of times this week and noticed that the couple next to us ordered striped bass and both received pieces that extended to both ends of the plate. The small plates are definitely on the small side but the quality is some of the best in the city. Our review will be up shortly for food and service
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