VBar Brings A-Game to EV

The new VBar is my idea of the perfect East Village corner local, one that you only want to share with good friends. Understated on the outside (real signage isn't even up yet), but inside it's warm, friendly and casually upscale. Larger than its W Village sister bar, it offers plenty of seating, tasty eats and a full bar. And thanks to the Italian owners, the coffee and cappuccinos are delicious. The mostly Italian menu entices, especially the moreish bar snacks. Try the addictive grilled mushroom and Gorgonzola crostini, or the lobster and pancetta sliders. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings too. I have an aversion to going to a bar alone, but this neighborhood addition, with its extremely warm staff, has changed all that. Grab the prized cozy seats in the front corner and lazily watch the world go by on First Ave. and St Marks.

The Big O Comes to Chelsea as The Doughnut Plant Expands

If you've ever made a pilgrimage to The Doughnut Plant deep in the Lower East Side, the June opening of Mark Israel's second NYC outpost in the Chelsea Hotel will make satisfying your sweet tooth much more convenient. According to an insider, 'The Doughnut Bar' menu will feature some sweet treats unique to that location. And unlike the tiny original spot, the new bakery will have limited seating to savor every mouth-watering morsel. Some things won't change - like using grandfather Herman's original 1930's recipe to the inevitable lines snaking out the door. Summer can't come soon enough.