
Girls On Grub embraced Vinus + Marc on the Upper East Side, and their Latin-French cuisine was cooked to please. But before Girls On Grub could dive into the Scallops; we had to find out if the cocktail menu lived up to the name Vinus + Marc. Owner and oenophile Frank Locker has curated a one of a kind boutique style wine list, with reds like Campos de Dulcinea, Tempranillo 2010 of Spain and the French Patriarche, Auxey-Duresses, 2010… not one drop will “remain” in the glass.
But if you want a true Prohibition Era experience; make sure to sip from the handcrafted libations of in house Mixologist Aziza Omar. Inspired by her grandmother, Aziza has delivered a few favorites to Girls On Grub. The notes I still dream of on my tongue would have to be: the Black Mission Fig in the Dewdropper, the sage infused gin in the Madcap and the Black Pepper enlightened Chesapeake Bay bitters of the Rara Avis. Vinus + Marc makes all their syrups in house, and it absolutely was evident in the ginger syrup found in the Rara Avis, making our favorite drink a “rare bird” indeed… and the cocktails to be New York City's most coveted on the Upper East Side.
But if you want a true Prohibition Era experience; make sure to sip from the handcrafted libations of in house Mixologist Aziza Omar. Inspired by her grandmother, Aziza has delivered a few favorites to Girls On Grub. The notes I still dream of on my tongue would have to be: the Black Mission Fig in the Dewdropper, the sage infused gin in the Madcap and the Black Pepper enlightened Chesapeake Bay bitters of the Rara Avis. Vinus + Marc makes all their syrups in house, and it absolutely was evident in the ginger syrup found in the Rara Avis, making our favorite drink a “rare bird” indeed… and the cocktails to be New York City's most coveted on the Upper East Side.
The Rara Avis paired nicely with the Diver Scallops served with perfectly cooked Parmesan Risotto; and the Dewdropper with muddled blackberries enhanced the flavors of the Braised Short Ribs. The candlelight, red velvet chairs and rich red 1920’s inspired wallpaper set a romantic tone, as my “Italian” and I enjoyed every bite prepared by Chef Luis Dominguez. After having the mashed potatoes gently spiked with jalapeño, served with the organic Pan Roasted Chicken a couple weeks prior…I knew to order them with my Braised Short Ribs. And as much as I loved the Short Ribs, I missed Vinus + Marc’s chicken. The crispy well-seasoned skin is almost like candy, and will have you wanting more. It is one of my most lustful foodie moments. Both meats will create a culinary fire, bringing you back to this cozy, romantic spot weekly, I’m sure. With the way the thyme sticks out of the risotto, would you really beg to differ. No, you will beg for more risotto.
Without disappointment, Chef Luis prepared a recipe handed from Locker’s own family; a tempting berry drenched Vanilla-ginger Cheesecake. This dessert is the perfect way to finish the evening. Unlike most New York Cheesecakes, it was light and creamy; almost like a thick mousse. The crust like you remember nana making, hugged the cheesecake to form. And surprisingly, the berries were fresh in a light sauce… signifying it was made in house and with lots of love.
-Boston Scarlette
-Boston Scarlette
Vinus & Marc 1825 Second Ave. New York, NY 10128 (Between e 94th & e 95th) Subway 4,5,6 @86th or 96th 1.646.692.9105 Open 7 Days A Week Monday to Tuesday 11:00am – 2:00am Wednesday to Friday 11:00am – 3:00am Saturday 11:00am – 3:00am Sunday 11:00am – 1:00am WEBSITE: http://vinusandmarc.com/ | HASH TAG: #VINUSANDMARC CUISINE: Cocktail Bar, Latin/French CHEF DE CUISINE: Chef J. Luis Dominguez PASTRY CHEF: LEAD MIXOLOGIST: ALCOHOL: Full Bar HAPPY HOUR: PRICE: $$ ATTIRE: Casual COAT CHECK: No AMBIANCE: Intimate OUTDOOR SEATING: No RESERVATIONS: Yes DELIVERY: No TAKEOUT: Yes PARKING: Garage, Street |