Simplicity in the West Village

Hunger is effortless. I can always count on it to come around every four hours or so, giving me yet another opportunity to whip up a great meal. When I don't want to cook for myself, finding a place to enjoy a great meal in this city is a cinch, too. And Restaurant Week makes it all the easier (also known as affordable.) [Crusty bread served with house-made hummus] [Fresh Garden Vegetable Salad: market vegetables, herbs, aged sherry, olive oil] [Ottomanelli Dry-Aged Filet Mignon: smoked bacon wrap, grilled vegetables, basil mashed, red wine reduction] [Chocolate Cake "Brioche:" chocolate sauce, salted caramel sauce, marmalade, strawberry whipped cream] If only for a few moments, this evening--an American meal and wine pairing (my first!) at 10 Downing Food & Wine with a forever friend--made life simple again.