Buvette - West Village, NYC

Chalk wine map on the wall highlighting wines
by the glass and where they are from

This neighborhood gem is another no-reservations, cramped space that serves some well-prepared, simple, heavily French influenced "gastroteque" fare. The chef, Jody Williams, made a name for herself in mostly Italian spots, but does casual French well. Be prepared to be shoe horned into impossibly tight seats and to hear every word of your neighbors conversations.


Address: 42 Grove Street, New York, NY
Website: Buvette.com

Cute little menu with few well thought
through dishes.

Packed bar where bartenders spend more time
slicing prosciutto and making espresso than
pouring cocktails.

Window seat for one.. Started with the jambon
hache tartinette. Grilled country French bread
with a spam-like spread of chopped prosciutto,
Parmesan cheese and sage. Very good- rich
flavor and great texture. I contemplated taking
home half for breakfast, but the toast is drizzled
with balsamic vinegar, which totally cuts the richness,
so it probably would have been soggy.

Terrible photo of the coq an vin. Served in tiny enamel cast-iron pot.
Chicken was falling off the bone tender, and the sauce was a bacon
infused hearty gravy with plump pearl onions and chewy earthy
mushrooms. Is it considered bad manners to drink the
sauce directly out of the pot?