Bar of the Week: CHAPTER ONE in the West Village, NYC

By: Oct. 22, 2014
FOOD & WINE
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Chapter One in the West Village of New York City is exactly what an American tavern ought to be. We name it our "Bar of the Week." This spot proves that fine food and drink can be distinctive, yet wholly accessible in a setting that is casually elegant. While it is designed to appeal to the neighborhood, we suggest you will travel from wherever you are to Chapter One for cocktails and snacks with friends, a couple of beers, a glass of wine at the bar or a full dinner.

Chef Warren Baird's talents are a perfect compliment to Chapter One's warm atmosphere. His "Snack" selections (all $5) work perfectly with our favorite drinks. They include Crispy Chickpeas, house-made Pork Rinds, and Smoked Almonds. Whipped Salt Cod ($14) is comfort in a dish, blended with smooth, smoked-potato puree with caramelized onion, perfect for sharing. We also love the Cauliflower Soup ($14) which is creamy and savory with a sweet touch of caramelized brown butter apples, garnished with the complementary flavors of crisp sunchoke chips. You can also stop by the bar for an aperitif and one of Baird's special desserts like his Smoked Chocolate Pudding. And, there are seasonal menu items like the fall specialty: Cast-iron Cornbread ($7) baked to order and served hot out of the oven in its skillet with a dab of melting maple butter

Chapter One has a historic location on Greenwich Avenue to celebrate American food and drink. The decor honors Old New York with archival photographs of the old neighborhood and a mural of the street view of the location, circa 1910. The classic bar features plush barstools, and a sleek, elegant design accented with Oxblood banquets and pewter-topped dining tables. Guests have great views of the street from any seat in the house.
The beverage program is prime quality, but uncomplicated. Chapter One's has an impressive list of 80 bourbons, including the rare and highly desirable expressions of Pappy Van Winkle, and 53 ryes. They have three different levels of bourbon flights ranging in price from $15-$35. The classic cocktails (all $14) are wonderfully constructed. The Old-Fashioned is prepared with 12-year-old bourbon, and the Manhattan is mixed with rye.

Twelve selections of wines by the glass are sourced from City Winery, and the menu also features a changing selection of 6 reds and 6 whites from independent American vineyards. The beers on draft include Old Speckled Hen, Sam Stout and selections from local brewery Captain Lawrence. The friendly and gracious service at Chapter One confirms that this is a place where you will want to be a regular.

Chapter One is located at 33 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY, 10014. They are open for drinks, dinner and weekend brunch. For menus, information and reservations, visit www.chapteronenyc.com or call 212-842-9146.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chapter One



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