"I’ve been a long time fan of the team behind Eel Bar—two of their spots, Hart’s and The Fly, are within walking distance of my Brooklyn apartment, supplying me with many a martini, clam toast, or basket of rotisserie chicken over the years. Their new restaurant on the Lower East Side follows a similar blueprint to its sister spot Cervo’s on Dimes Square: namely, a casual tapas-style menu, simple and classic cocktails (with the occasional twist), and European-style décor that tricks you, for a second, into thinking you might be going for dinner in Basque country. We over-ordered and were glad for it. A few highlights: the gildas, a salty pintxo dish of skewered olives and anchovies; a bowl of crispy fried squid; potato salad with trout roe; and the black rice with tuna and tomatoes. Wash it all down with a couple of Wet Martinis, one of the prepared vermouths that packs a punch thanks to the sharp splash of orange bitters. —L.A." - CNT Editors
