Hunter S.
Yelp
The best thing about New York City is any moment, your plans can change. Any time, you can make a right instead of a left, and you find a magical adventure or some sort of treasure.
I was on my way to one of my regular places when I passed Early Terrible and it was completely empty. Not a single patron (a couple more parties did come in later, and they did tell me Saturday--I stopped in on a Sunday--was one of their busiest nights ever).
It's a cute, sophisticated, and intimate. Service is prompt and down to earth and makes great recommendations. A disco ball splayed lights across the wall and easy listening tunes set the mood.
This is technically categorized as a Croatian restaurant, and I can see that in some of the dishes, but I am not knowledgeable enough to tie it all together. I did love everything that I had however!
I had the truffle tagliatelle, which was rich, cooked perfectly, and boasted sharp, pungent, complex flavors. I was down to that or the pappardelle lamb ragu, but the server recommended the truffle dish. I also had blitva and potatoes, a traditional Croatian dish made with veggies such as Swiss chard, potatoes, carrots, beans, and olive oil. It was savory and light and a perfect accompaniment.
Other starters and entrees include: confit duck leg croquettes, beet salad, octopus salad, chicken and duck liver toast, lobster and carrot ravioli, oysters, wood fired broccoli, dry aged pork chop, daily seafood special, a burger, and more.
Cocktails were delicious, creative, and complex.
I had:
Go bananas: rum, banana, dry vermouth, fresh lime, pastis de Marseille. Didn't taste like artificial banana, which I hate. It had a deep, almost absinthe/licorice taste.
Part time lover: cassamigos resposado, st. Germaine, aperol, fresh lemon, angostura bitters. Light and refreshing.
Mezcal penicillin: mezcal, ginger syrup, fresh lemon, scotch rinse. Petite drink that goes down easy, offering a multitude of flavors.
The smoke signal: mezcal, amaro di angostura, tamarind puree, fresh lime, pineapple, spicy salt. Again, light and refreshing, but with a a smoky, slightly spicy taste. More complex and enjoyable than the ubiquitous jalapeño margarita.
I didn't try desert, but people seem to love it.
Will definitely come back here again.