"There’s a jaunty rabbit hanging in the window of Little Italy’s Mon Lapin, the namesake of this joyful spot for natural wine-fueled meals and parties. The ever-changing menu makes the most of Québec’s bounty, with plates planned months in advance, using preserved local seafood, meats, and prized produce like green tomatoes and fleeting raspberries. Dishes rarely appear for more than a few days, but there are a few recurring favorites: the croque-pétoncle (a crunchy scallop sandwich similar to shrimp toast), sourdough-brined fried chicken, and the buckwheat shard cake. The team at this chic, informal bistro know exactly what wine to suggest, and make you feel like they’ve saved the best bottle just for you. And if you let them know you’re celebrating something in advance, it’ll be served with some fanfare—and a sparkler. Mon Lapin’s brand-new bistro, Rôtisserie La Lune, brings the same flair (and extensive wine list) to bigger plates, roasted meats, and nostalgic Québécois desserts, just down the street. photo credit: Two Food Photographers photo credit: Two Food Photographers" - Ivy Lerner-Frank
