The Bourgeois Pig, New York, NY

The Bourgeois Pig is one of my favorite East Village hangouts. The decor is over the top, but really adds to the great ambiance. Who doesn't enjoy pretending that they're having drinks in the boudoir of a 19th-century Parisian vampiress? Not really a dinner spot, The Bourgeois Pig does, however, offer an Alpine-inspired menu of cheese plates, fondues, and tartines. The food is good, but slightly overpriced and not quite authentic. The real reason I come here though (and I think this is becoming an overriding theme in my posts) is for the drinks. Don't come here looking for tequila shots or screwdrivers! The Pig's drink selection is much more sophisticated.

For starters, The Pig has an extensive list of wines from all over France... reds, whites, rosés, sparklings, and aperitifs. The Veuve Ambal is a great deal at $8 a glass. When I'm feeling like a splurge, they have an excellent red from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of the Rhône Valley. For those who are looking for something with a bit more kick, The Pig also has a wide array of wine cocktails, sangrias, champagne cocktails, beers, and beer cocktails. If you have a big group, be sure to order the champagne punch, which is served in an elegant silver punchbowl. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.

-Marcus

The Bourgeois Pig
111 East 7th Street (between 1st and A)
New York, NY 10009
www.bourgeoispigny.com/