Went with Melissa to a little place awash in white tile and formal crystal chandeliers which could be aggrandizing to this little unassuming cafe with yummy food and mercifully no sommelier or wine license (yet.) but makes the place even more charming. The best BYOB in town. Go while you still can.

In honor of the terroir that must be saved in Cornas, M graciously ferried in a 2000 Lemencier Cornas, in its last two-three years of glory. We munched on four differed salads, all really delicious, homespun but marked by really high quality ingredients. Of particular note is the smoked mozzarella and endive, the seared tuna, and the simple salad, all sparked up with fresh thyme, oregano and mint.
Not that I eat them, but the veal meatballs were on plenty of plates, and I have a feeling they do not disappoint.

The tall, thin, shaved headed man from Bologna whose name I forgot and shouldn't have because he is such a sweetheart and brings a terrific warmth and generosity to the resto, is always amused that I bring along my wine glasses. He particularly likes when I shlep the balloons, and he is amused by the wines but wanted to know, "Why always French?"

Yet, he happily tasted the Cornas. His eyes approved. He likes syrah and said to me, "You know shiraz and syrah are the same grape?"

Still, I promised I'd bring a Barbaresco next time around.

(FYI--FOOD STILL GREAT BUT THEY NO LONGER HAVE BYOB POLICY)

265 Lafayette St
New York, NY
10012

Phone: (917) 338-6207