The other night, we popped into Ardesia. The newly opened wine bar is manning the far western front of Manhattan, along with Taboon. The Middle Eastern restaurant alone was worth the trip over to 10th Avenue. At this stage in the game, it’s hard to tell if Ardesia will become a similar drinking destination, or if it will just serve as a pleasant spot to pass the time while you wait for your table at the restaurant down the block.
Their wine list is focused, with plenty of options in the $9 - $12 range. Fun bar snacks dot the menu. On our visit they were offering an Oktoberfest special. The New York style pretzels dabbed with spicy mustard went swimmingly with a Pinot Bianco chaser. Our problem with the space may have just been a symptom of its newness.
Hell’s Kitchen actually has a few stellar wine bars. Xai Xai and Karavas Place are comfy vino dens, and you don’t have to trek to tenth to enjoy a nip. If Casellula down the block on 52nd is like drinking in the neighborhood’s cozy living room, then Ardesia feels like sipping a glass in the entryway. There is an unfinished vibe to the place; the gigantic ceilings and marble bar make it feel like a strange lobby rather than the main event of the night. This coldness will hopefully be washed away as more and more Cotes du Rhone is poured.
We’ll visit again in a few weeks, if only because we thought the eponymous slate style stone that is used as a cheese board was quite a creative touch. While we wait for the neighborhood's new wine bar to get its vibe going, you can find us at the bar at Taboon.
Photo courtesy of eater.com.
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