Two dining comrads and I had a meal last weekend that took us all by suprise. A new place in a sleepy (as much as a street in the east village can be) east village block caught our interest by how empty it was and what it was serving. After a few walks around the same old places we always eat at, we looped back around to try the place. And yes the name did make me smile. Coincidentaly it is the name of an Australian wine maker that the chef went into business with so that he could serve their wine (we had the Shiraz - standard but good).
Thoughtfully composed (and very well executed) plates of fresh and vibrant flavors came out and made us all rather happy. The chef is young and Irsih and is fun to talk to. The tasting menu is only $40 and it knocked me out. Make sure to ask for the duck - you will not be sad.
Go - eat there - you know you are all dying to try something new that nobody is talking about. There won't be a line. You don't need to make a reservion. You might even be the only diner (like us). In a few months this place might be mobbed.
I am working on a full review - hopefully with pictures if i can get back there in the next week or so.