From Rome With Love? Hardly

Now I'm depressed.  And for all the wrong reasons!!  My only child is at camp in a foreign land.  A vacation day yesterday was spent, (gasp!!!) painting.  It's damn near 1000 degrees here in the Northeast.  Those things are all perfectly acceptable.  In fact, compared to the two hours spent watching Woody Allen's latest, To Rome With Love, painting restrooms on the Jersey Shore sounds more appealing.

A few years back Allen made the critically acclaimed Vicky Cristina Barcelona.  Folks adored it (myself not included) and it provided Allen new life.  It was similar to 2005 when he made the brilliant Match Point, set in London.  He has been out of NYC for a while now.  And like his time spent in New York, he is prone to miss the mark from time to time.   For every Hannah and Her Sisters there is Melinda and Melinda.  And likewise, for every Midnight in Paris, there is this colossal dud of a picture.

To be fair, Allen is downright prolific.  When in Rome marks his 48th directing credit.  He has also written 70 (including this one) feature films.  With that massive amount of material can we give the man a pass?

The answer is no.  And here is why.

This column wrote about Midnight in Paris a year ago.  Review here  Allen is guilty of questionable decisions both in his personal and professional life.  Why the insistence to churn this film out so quickly after the success (Paris is Allen's highest grossing film ever?)  In fact, why make 11 films in the last 11 years?  Look at his peers and their collective output from the previous decade.  Martin Scorsese has made 7 films over that time ( a few were documentaries.)  Oliver Stone has made 5 films (including 1 documentary.)  Francis Ford Coppola made 2, largely ignored films over the past decade.  Robert Altman, Ken Russell and Stanley Kubrick are all dead.  Speilberg is not really a peer, is he?  You get the point.  Allen puts out films like the Chris Christie puts down ice cream cones.  And much like the over indulgent NJ governor, Allen needs to show some restraint.  Less, can be a whole lot more.

Again, like Christie, Mr Allen should no longer appear on video, television and certainly not movie screens.  Here he plays Jerry,  the father of Hayley (the over-employed and pedestrian Allison Pill) and husband to Phyllis (the superb Judy Davis.)  A few things...  Davis looking 20 years Allen's junior is one thing.  Allen looking 80 years older than the cherubic Pill is another thing altogether.  And Allen's once unmistakable voice is due for a throat clear.  He sounds sick.  He sounds old.  And hiking his pants up to his neck aren't helping.  His one liners now feel more like the awkward old guy shouting out at old folks home (something his character fears in the movie) rather than witty musings from an intellectual.  Allen, without question, can craft a motion picture from script to every detail of production.  In 2012 it is beyond time he not appear in them.

Finally, casting others to play a younger Allen type (ya know, the neurotic anti-hero, quick with a quip and slow with the charisma) does not always work.  Owen Wilson somehow worked.  Will Ferrell epically failed.  John Cusack?  Yes.  Here, Jesse Eisenberg (one note and predictable) and Alessandro Tiberi both fail to recreate Allen's angst and charm.  Eisenberg is an American studying architect thrust into a romantic triangle with the under-utilized Greta Gerwig and over-used Ellen Page.  Tiberi finds himself in a similar mess with the radiant, and effective Penelope Cruz and charming Alessandra Mastronardi.  He is no match for either of them.  For the record, an Italian accent mimicking the famously New York Allen schtick is beyond odd.

There are moments, as in every Allen film, that bring a smile.  There are scenes of pure beauty as Allen captures the life and depth of Rome (not the main character Paris was in last years film.)   Let it be known Allen is not only smart with his prose, but with his camera too.  From Manhattan many years ago to Paris last year his cinematographic achievements are worthy.  There are even good roles, like Cruz's prostitute or Eisenberg's conscience (played winningly by Alec Baldwin) There are just too few of them.

Story lines about celebrity and Italy's (read: everyone's) fascination with it and Jerry's failed music career and effort to remedy it feel both forced, and cliche.  Not every idea is a great one.  Moreover, not every idea is a good one.

Casting is also a huge issue here.  Gerwig and Page should have played each others roles and who let Carol Alt on set??

The opening shot panned into a famous Italian traffic circle and one of the whistled guards directing the steel chaos.  "He stopped the viewers and told us Rome is a city of love, and stories from everywhere.  Here are just a few..."

Allen has spent several years abroad over the past decade or so.  He, like his other socially inept filmmaking friend Roman Polanski, have taking solace in Europe and its free spirit.  It has served as inspiration and muse.

That could be a good thing.  Maybe Woody can hang in Rome, drink the wine and start writing a love song for all things Roman.  Cause this one ain't it.

Like wine, he might need this one to breathe a while too.  How about a 2016 release date?

GUIDE TO SOMEWHERE: What’s with all the LeBron haters? - New Jersey Hills Newspaper: More Entertainment

GUIDE TO SOMEWHERE: What’s with all the LeBron haters? - New Jersey Hills Newspaper: More Entertainment: The NHL wrapped up its season with LA(!) winning its first-ever Stanley Cup.

Williamsburg on the Cheap... starring White Rabbits and We Barbarians

Folks here in Jersey think of Brooklyn as some sort of other-Worldly hipster planet.  They know Peter Luger's and Coney Island.  They know little else.  Watching Do the Right Thing does not count.

The Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, for instance, is super cool.  Shops and restaurants line Bedford St and 4th, 5th, 6th making for a hipper, mellower SoHo or West Village.  Pierced and disheveled kids walk hand in hand with mandel (or girly man sandals) wearing Euro's and their elegant eyewear donning beards, er "girlfriends."

Once abandoned warehouses and factories have been converted into chic clubs, American Apparel stores and record shops (yes, plural shops!!  rare and great!!)  New Hope, PA meets Christopher St.  Spring St meets Columbus, OH.  Oh, and the NYC skyline can be enjoyed on the abundant East River vistas mere footsteps away.

And perhaps the best kept secret of Williamsburg (at least for those willfully out of the game) is Bowery Presents wonderful music venue, un-ironically called Music Hall of Williamsburg.  Last night, Converse Rubber Tracks, the sneaker company's community-based music arm, put on a free showcase spotlighting two of Brooklyn's finest acts: We Barbarians and White Rabbits.

We Barbarians, Music Hall of Williamsburg 6.20.12

We Barbarians, a power trio made up of David Quon(vocals/guitar), Derek VanHeule (bass) and Nathan Warkentin(drums), began the night with a high-energy, hard-rocking set.  Quon is an absolute natural.  Not only does he play a mean guitar, but his voice and charisma are electric.  But you cannot simply thank the leading man.  Warkentin has the look of an angry woodsman as he relentlessly assaults his kit.  He is precise, but has enough tact to be jazzy when needed.  VanHeule has the chops to play lead, but also knows when to keep beat and stay efficiently in the background.

This is a rock and roll trio.  Go buy what they are selling.  Then do yourself a favor and check them out live.  They are an entirely different act studio to stage.  To date they have recorded a few EP's and one LP, 2009's There's This There's That.  A new record is forthcoming and the material is strong.  We came for the White Rabbits, but are now Barbarian devotees.

References:  "Headspace" official video.  The bass line for this track is downright filty. It also reminds me of the Vision Quest soundtrack.  Can't you just see Loudon Swain training to this???  Is it "Lunatic Fringe" worthy?   Or "Chambray" official video.  Tribal beats= Awesome.

There have been plenty of superlatives written about the grossly underrated and amazingly under-heard 6 piece rock act White Rabbits.  In fact this space has devoted two columns to them:  Webster Hall review from 4.13.12 and Bowery review from 2.11.

Last night, again supporting their 3rd LP Milk Famous, they breathed new life into their catalog and reminded all those in attendance why they are a formidable live act.

The new material, such as the groovy and hard charging "Danny Come Inside" and the trippy "It's Not Me," marry nicely with their more popular tunes, namely "Percussion Gun," 'The Plot," and last night's finale "Kid On My Shoulders."  "Kid" has been rearranged and outright re-imagined with a bass-heavy, disco feel.  The result is fresh and inspired.

It can be said with certainty that luck and timing have as much to do with a bands success as raw talent these days (like all the days before.)  For every Maroon 5 or Train (both great bands who have enjoyed longetivity and commercial success) there is a White Rabbits or We Barbarians.

Both acts last night packed a wallop and went about their business as professionals without the slightest hint of pretense.  White Rabbits are very much the workingman's rock outfit.  Thing Bruce Hornsby and the Range on steroids.  Each musician complements one another and each component stands out.  It is a team.  And the team is winning.

Yet America, for the most part, is not in on the secret.

You heard it here...  these guys need to be bigger.  You can help.  Get the hell on board.

After all Adam Levine and Pay Monahan are pretty set up.  They can afford to share the wealth.

White Rabbits, Music Hall of Williamsburg 6.30.12

For more knowledge please head here:

White Rabbits from Jimmy Kimmel perform "Danny Come Inside"  An absolutely epic track.  Big, bold bass and haunting guitars.  The kind of stuff David Lynch might use on his soundtrack.  The real standout from their latest LP Milk Famous.

"Percussion Gun"  Their breakthrough hit from 2009's It's Frightening.   Like the title says, this track is all about the drums.  If they are too have a signature song you can't do much better.

Live "Kid on My Shoulders"  They have the ability to use piano as lead...  or drums...  or guitar...  or bass.  So versatile!!  Here the piano and bass shine and shine brightly.  You can tell they love performing this song.  This version differs greatly from what was played last night.  Both are exceptional.  Just like the band.


POST SCRIPT:  


Free show. Check.  Free on street parking.  Check.  45 minutes from venue to home post show.  Check.

There have been 45 minutes delays at the Holland after a Webster Hall or Bowery show!!  Brooklyn is a viable player for those in and around Manhattan.  Believe it!!

The crowd was super respectful and well mannered too...  which is huge.  No talking during songs.  No back and forth for drinks or bathroom breaks.  It's a one hour set and the crowd was engaged.  The music was the star and they were more than aware.  Oh, and bravo to both bands for limiting the between song banter.  They were both humble, gracious and off the charts polite.  Then they knocked everyone off their feet with kick ass rock and roll.

And as noted earlier the Music Hall is an exceptional place to catch a show.  3 floors with ample lounge space and above average service/polite staff.  If you can do Lower Manhattan you can do Brooklyn.  Check out their coming attractions and make a day of it!!  Viva La Hipsters!!

http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/






 

What You Should Know, Summer 2012 Part 2

School is out.  Baseball is headed toward the All Star break.  The 4th of July is next week!  Geez, just like that we are fully immersed in summer.  You ready?  You already vacationing?  What is on your playlist?  When the top down what do you HAVE to hear?  Maroon 5's "Payphone" on your radar?  Train's "Drive By?"  One Direction?  Kimbra?  Nicky Minaj?

That's all fine and dandy.  The alt world is alive and kicking too.  And don't look now, but the 90s are back and in full gear.  Over the past few weeks Garbage, Lit, Smashing Pumpkins and even Marcy Playground have put out new records.  That's a welcome relief from all the synth/tech/hipster deluge that has dominated the indie world for the past few years.  Dive into some of these familiar sounds and dust off the flannels.  Oh, and take a listen to some other tracks that may have escaped you too.

And for God's sake re apply that sunscreen.  Have you learned nothing at your advanced age??  Like Woody Allen said "Everything our parents told us was good is bad...  sun, red meat, college."  Happy listening!

Garbage: "Blood for Poppies"  Shirley Manson personified the 90s grunge/rock chick.  She was a little messy, a little angry and a little hot.  Your mom would have been mortified if you brought her home for dinner, but your dad totally understood.   Is she still only happy when it rains?  That is unclear.  She does still have a solid voice and here she brings an almost Everclear feel to the proceedings.  Fun stuff.

Fiona Apple "Werewolf"  Call her what you will, and there are several adjectives that fit, but do NOT discount her voice,  piano chops, or raw talent.   Oh, and she can write a song too.  Nevermind the pretension (which is evident in her LP's endless title.)  This song is a stand out and deserves some respect (or at least a download.)

Smashing Pumpkins "Oceania"  Like Apple, Billy Corgan was/is a polarizing figure from the 90s.  Do you love him?  Hate him?  No one is ever ambivalent toward him.  Just look at the former band members who can't even speak to him.  Weird.  Especially considering Corgan, like Apple, writes rich and smart material that evokes emotion and raw energy.  The new record keeps his reputation intact.  It is great to have him back.

Marcy Playground "Hallelujah"  It's always good to hear a cover.  And this Leonard Cohen track has been covered roughly a million times.  Jeff Buckley and Mike Myers have both done admirable jobs to name a few.  But there is something to be said about singer John Wozniak belting it out.  After all, he was the guy who smelled sex and candy.  They just released a new record (mixing some new material with their hits/B sides and rarities- titled Lunch, Recess and Detention.)  Good to see they have not lost their sense of humor.  And good for you for remembering how good they were/are.

Lit "You Tonight"  There is something to be said for simply staying together as a band.  For Lit, that means over 20 years playing, recording and touring with (3!) of the original members.  And that includes brothers!  Think Kings of Leon will be together in 20 years?  Listen up to some good old fashioned West Coast rock and roll.

Keane "Silenced By the Night"  Last month the English rockers released their 4th LP, Strangeland.  They are driven primarily by lead singer Tom Chaplin's bold vocals and catchy hooks.  In this song he hits on these points quite well.  They are not as popular as their peers Coldplay, Snow Patrol or Muse.  Chaplin has had problems with booze.  It is an underdog story worth rooting for.  Can they stand the test of time?   Will we continue to care?  Time will tell.

Of Monsters and Men "Mountain Sound"  Iceland is most definitely in the house.  The second single from this group's debut record My Head is an Animal is as good (probably better than) "Little Talks." There is a richness and depth in their sound many kids would not be able to create.  Again, the trend of men and women trading vocals (Givers, Grouplove, Naked and Famous, etc...) is alive and well.  This cut is from an April performance in Williamsburg.  Beyond Worthy!!!

Walk the Moon "Next in Line"  Ohio boys have a knack for creating catchy hooks.  They are also out promoting their debut record (self titled.)  They may have some underlying identity issues, what with the face paint and attitude.  But they capture an 80s nostalgia better than most.  And the line "Won't you stay shotgun til the day I die" remains an early favorite for best of 2012.  They have all the synths, echo and harmony of a young Dream Academy.  Added bonus:  acoustic impromptu performance in NYC's Madison Square Park of Anna Sun:  Watch Here  Loving the sirens blaring behind them!!!

Cat Power "Ruin"  It has been over 6 years since Chan Marshall, otherwise known as Cat Power, put out new material.  If this single is any indication of what to expect from her LP Sun (due out in September) we should all be most grateful.  She produced this record all by herself and, reading up on her tumultuous times since The Greatest came out in 2006, lots has happened!   Chan is a tortured artist.  And as we have seen with Adele sometimes heartbreak and depression can lead to amazing creativity.  She also happens to be super sexy as Richard Avedon captured for the New Yorker several years ago: Cat Power photo

Jimmy Fallon "Reading Rainbow"  This is about a year old, but the editors here rarely stay up for the 11:30pm talk shows, let alone 12:30!!  Fallon promoted his new LP on Howard Stern a few weeks back and this particular number stands out.  His Neil Young, Bowie and Bob Dylan are all amazing...  but this parody of Jim Morrison and The Doors is both pitch perfect and laugh out loud funny.  Enjoy!!

Keep rocking this summer and please join the discussion.  What is on your playlist this summer?  What song can you not get enough of?

Check out the first edition of summer 2012 here:  What You Should Know Part 1

Moonrise Kingdom (reviewed)

Wes Anderson makes quirky movies. He also makes movies that look beautiful. More often than not he brings out the most in his actors' performances. His latest effort, Moonrise Kingdom, has all of these characteristics and more. But like so many of his previous projects, Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums chief among them, this piece has moments of genius and pure fun. But like those films, and most of his others, the end result is goodness, not greatness.

Is he revered now for his quirkiness? For his allegiance to lovable characters like Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman? It's not the films, right?

Newcomers Jared Gilman (Sam) and Kara Hayward (Suzy) play star crossed lovers circa 1965 New England. He, an orphan Khaki Scout on the run from his troop. She, a misunderstood rebel from significant means on the run from her lost attorney folks (Murray and Frances McDormand.).

That's about it. 12 year old runaways and the hapless adults trying to make sense of it, all the while coming to the realization that, "Hey, maybe these kids are the ones who have it together... And we don't!?"

Romeo and Juliet set in summer camp. A geeks version of Rebel Without a Cause. An ode to innocence and simpler times. Whatever you label it after a bit it feels a touch familiar. And when the dust settles, a rather pedestrian movie.

Does Anderson have a deft touch in terms of production design? Without question. The set pieces, overall look and jump cuts are his hallmarks. Here they are all wonderfully displayed.

Anderson casts a movie quite well too. Bruce Willis has not been this good since Butch from Pulp Fiction. Here he is the hapless cop trying to make sense of his pathetic life. The two leads are pitch perfect as the mismatched couple. Gilman could have been typecast with his bold glasses and meek lisp. But he plays Sam so well you can see the young man inside and understand why Suzy finds him compelling. Hayward, a little Lana Del Rey look a like, captures the angst ridden pre teen pretty darn good herself. Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton can read TV Guide and make it compelling. And Murray and Schwartzman... well, you know what you are getting there. Which could be the problem too. These guys have all worked together so much you sometimes feel like your peeking in on an inside joke.

This time it isn't as funny. And the heart warming moments are too few, and too far between. Since when did 94 minutes feel so slow?

This film will appear on many Best of 2012 lists later this year. Hollywood will lavish praise on the indie darling. So different! So original!

Sure, if everything else in the multiplex is a retread or superhero story. There are still folks out there who like storytelling and period pieces. But just because you
tell a story and set it in a different era that does not automatically make it brilliant.

Save your time and watch Anderson's only real masterpiece, Fantastic Mr. Fox. Otherwise his ego is going to get big enough to green light a Life Aquatic sequel.

Could it be 10 years?

It was yesterday, wasn't it?  When I was pushing the cumbersome and by today's standards archaic, stoller down the street. Your tiny legs would bounce playfully in the sunlight.  Seriously, these Euro-strollers today make our Eddie Bauer model look like a Range Rover (but heavier.)

It was last week when I left you at the day care door.  There were tears of anxiety, and heartbreak as I drove away putting my trust in others.  You might have been upset too, if only for a moment.

Our dances through our cramped apartment.   All of my misguided attempts to get you to nap.  You would hum along to Ben Folds and Eels songs and raise your arms begging me to "hold you."  But the napping was always short lived.  After all you had lots to do.  Walking at 9 months!  Always with the last laugh huh?  That made the beach vacation a challenge.   My back never recovered from hovering over you as you raced toward the Atlantic.  No fear.  Just the way we ordered it.

Your first day of school and singing "God Bless America" before first bell.

The soccer games with the pop up goals.  The grocery trips that found you "driving" race car shopping carts.  Bagels times in the Starbucks high chair.  Our road trips to Mema's.  Remember when we got behind that fertilizer truck for miles and miles on rt 78?   You didn't know what to make of it.

The trip to the farm when you memorized the receipt and made it your personal password.

How about the Museum of Natural History class trip I crashed?  We had big laughs.  The Globetrotters?  Your first concert (John Mellancamp) and the realization that some cigarettes make funny smells.

That young Brazilian boy you took a liking to at World Financial.  Face painting in DC.  The aquarium in Boston.  The stars and moon crib in your closet we called a nursery.

Our enormous cat trying to eat your formula.  The scratch on your face he gave you as we were heading out for your first year photos.

Now, on the eve of your birthday, you are not even upstairs as I write this.  A sleepover invitation trumps mom and pop on this given Friday.

On your first day of summer vacation you slept til 10:30.  Then you proceeded to play on an electronic device for an hour or two.

You showered yourself.  You made your breakfast.

You take the dog on walks and have marathon girl time with 7th graders.

Long sleeve boys bathing suit tops have been replaced with bikinis.

J-14 now arrives in our mailbox every month.  Pictures of boy bands adorn your bedroom walls.

You have a passport and will be using it, solo, in less than a week.

Camp in a foreign country and all the confidence in the world that you will be able to do it.

It all goes by so fast.  But it's also immortalized in those memories.  You cannot hold on to time so simply accept it.

Those moments have all passed, but new experiences await.

First day of middle school.  Varsity letters.  Honor rolls(?) Dates.  Screaming matches with mom.  Proms.  College (or trade school- just do better than us damn it!!)

But first, 10.

More zoos.  Bike rides.  Walks with the dog.  Mini golf.  Pools.  Practices.  Parents embarrassing your friends. Italian ices.  Concerts.  Movies.

One more year of childhood.

Can we do it?  It's fast, sure.  But we must slow things down from time to time.

Soon enough you will know that Quicken is more than an arena in Cleveland.  It will come to your attention that storks don't deliver babies.  That the internet is more than Youtube.  And that, for the most part, life can get real difficult.

Not this year!

This year we nail it!  Smiles and good vibes for everyone.

Happy Birthday N.  Thanks for coming into our lives and bringing more joy than this aging hipster deserves.

Walk the Moon, Mercury Lounge 6.19.12

Last year around this time Foster the People were just about to blow up thanks to their breakout song "Pumped Up Kicks."  This summer might very well be the coming out party for Ohio synth/pop act Walk the Moon thanks in large part to their catchy, addictive single "Anna Sun."

Their record release gig Tuesday, 6.19 at Mercury Lounge showcased their confidence and ability.  It also had its share of misfires.  A 20 plus minute delay to start the show due to technical problems was the first obstacle.  Frontman Nicholas Petricca kept things jovial as the time passed on.   But he, and more obviously drummer Sean Waugaman were agitated.  Was there not a sound check?  On the night of your first big NYC headlining show shouldn't this issue have been resolved prior to the agreed upon 11pm set time?

This may be nit picking...  but some of us aren't kids anymore.  An 11pm Tuesday night show for those who work (from out of state) the next day is a rather large commitment.

Once the dust settled the quartet played with vigor and enthusiasm promoting their self titled first full length LP.  The good news is they are not a one hit wonder.  "Quesadilla" is a fun little up tempo track.  Their second single, "Tightrope" has all the earmarks of an 80s John Hughes montage track...  echo...  synths...  popping drums.

Perhaps the best moment came from "Next in Line,"  a love song/plea rooted in Human League-isms both in lyrics and groove.  It includes the simple, but effective line "Why don't you stay shotgun til the day I die?"  The crowd and band played well off each other as each verse/chorus built momentum.  This track should be another big hit for the group and if not their management should be replaced.

This are bands doing this act a little better and with more polish.  The aforementioned Foster the People, Cut/Copy and M83 come to mind.

But for a group just starting out it is easy to see them playing bigger venues their next trip through Manhattan.  Petricca has a great voice and confident (maybe too confident) stage presence.  His band mates are ok, but can temper their theatrics a bit.  No one wants to see the bassist jumping around and knocking over the drum set.  They may have announced themselves as a rock outfit, but this is pop gentlemen...  leave the thrashing around to Axl Rose and the like.  And lose the scoop neck striped American Apparel shirts too.  That look does not speak to rock and roll (if that is indeed what you are going for.)

Perhaps the image issues, technical difficulties and higher than normal expectations led to our early dismissal?  Perhaps it was the late hour?  Whatever the case may be the grade is good, not epic.

Could very well the bar is set very high these days.  And that is a very good thing.  This country is too lenient on its young anyway.  No more participation trophies people!!  It is established that live music is one of the last ways to make a living for bands these days.  Commercial and TV work are right there too.

But as every band fights for listeners and the perfect venue the bar needs to be raised.  Bring your "A" game people!  We are keeping score.  There will be winners and losers!

Crowds, we are talking to you too.  If you want to talk to one another or make out with your girlfriend take it outside.  Some folks want to see the show on stage, not around it.   Getting fall down drunk is all fine and dandy...  just not on the floor of Webster Hall (or any hall for that matter!)

Let the Summer 2012 concert season begin!  Who are you looking forward to seeing???

Join the conversation and become a fan here:  Guide2Somewhere on Facebook

More on Walk the Moon here:  Walk the Moon



POST SCRIPT:


We happened upon Supper (http://www.supperrestaurant.com/) for dinner preshow the other night.  1.  TV chef Anne Burrell entered the joint right before us so we were sure the place was rock solid.  After all, if your business is food why would you bother going to a place that sucked.  2.  It far from sucked!!

This is the third restaurant from "the Frank Crew."  That is, Frank Prisinzano's attempt at grandma's Italian Sunday dinner.

With that I ordered simply, garlic bruschetta, spaghetti with tomato and basil gravy and the most succulent veal meatballs I ever consumed.  The Mrs had a pappardelle with peas and other assorted veg that she raved about.  No sharing!  I kept my elbows ON the table to protect this wonderful plate.

Cash only and an extensive wine list for those who are interested.  The kitchen is open and the tables are communal so the whole place feels like someone's home.  But, apologies to grandma, this meal made hers look like peasant food.  Next time you are in the East Village please take a bite.