By CARLA SPARTOS
Last updated: 11:20 am
September 24, 2008
Posted: 12:00 am
September 21, 2008
de Santos
139 W. 10th St.; 212-206-9229
What do you get when you cross a chart-topping Mexican pop band and a West Village townhouse with a storied rocker past? This chic Modern Italian eatery, the first American outpost of a burgeoning music-centric restaurant empire fronted by Maná drummer Alex González. The crowning touch of this comfortable yet elegant two-story setting - Janis Joplin once lived on the third floor - is its outdoor courtyard with a retractable awning and a European vibe.
Must-have meal: Buffalo carpaccio with Robiola gnocchi and truffle oil ($12); cavatelli with mussels, cannellini beans, roasted garlic and tomatoes ($18); almond-crusted lamb chops with broccoli rabe ($24).
Soundtrack: An eclectic mix of chill-out, bossa nova, house, Latin and rock, with visiting global DJs.
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; bar open till 4 a.m. nightly.
The Libertine
15 Gold St.; 212-232-7700
A modern take on a British gentleman's club, chef Todd English's new spot - located off the lobby of stylish boutique hotel Gild Hall - is divided into a front bar, a private-feeling dining room and an upstairs lounge reminiscent of an aristocrat's library. The Anglo theme extends to the menu, which includes some two dozen beers, a raw bar and upscale spins on pub fare.
Must-have meal: "Carpetbagger Oysters" (deep-fried oysters wrapped in beef carpaccio and served on truffle mashed potatoes, $16); roasted duck breast with bangers and carrot mash (right, $25); and sticky date pudding with ginger ice cream ($10).
Soundtrack: The Rolling Stones and MGMT.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., breakfast: 6:30-10:30 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner: 5:30-10 p.m. (until 11 p.m., Thurs.-Fri.); Sat.-Sun., brunch: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner: 5:30-10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. Sat.).
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