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"One of America’s most beloved wine bars, co-founded by LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy, feels convivial, casual, and welcoming despite earning a Michelin star and a James Beard award. Longtime chef Nick Curtola has been instrumental in shaping its dynamic, always-enticing food menu — which is as renowned as its impeccably curated selection of natural wines — and he even co-authored the restaurant’s cookbook under the tagline “food + wine for good times.” Curtola brings a dinner-party mentality to service: this was on display at an intimate Eater event that featured Santa Barbara uni with golden rice, Iberico pork collar with sungold tomatoes and Thai basil, and a passionfruit tart with fennel pollen, all paired with philosophically minded wines from Loire Valley chenin blanc to Santòn vermouth." - Hilary Pollack