* Nita Nita
image c/o NY Press
CUISINE: Spanish Tapas
ADDRESS: 146 Wythe Ave (At N. 8th St.)
PHONE: 718.388.5328
CARDS: Cash Only
HOURS: Mon-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm, 5pm-1am
BOOZE: Full bar
OUTDOOR DINING: Yes
SUBWAY: L to Bedford Ave
BRUNCH: weekends between 11am and 4pm
MAP: Click Here
MENU: Click Here
NY PRESS SAYS: There is a smattering of tapas joints amid the ever-expanding dining landscape of Williamsburg, and most of them feel about as authentic as the infamous "loft-style" luxury apartment buildings that have been popping up in the neighborhood even more rapidly than restaurants. That changed three months ago, when Nita Nita, a tapas bar actually worth venturing into, opened its doors. Plate-glass storefront windows and a yawning set of doors reveal a candlelit interior with warm tones and clean lines that don't try too hard. Nita Nita's menu is Spanish-inspired and eclectic and the recipe list, like the decor, is pared-down. And with a short but appealing selection of wine, food and cocktails, patrons feel like they've stepped into the local bar they've always looked for, but classier, and with a delicate buttery scent calling to them from the kitchen. The cozy interior of Nita Nita was the perfect spot for dinner one rainy summer night since the place never feels too crowded, but there are always just enough people chatting with owner Samantha Di Stefano, or petting the part-time resident dog for you to feel welcome....An alcove behind the kitchen offers more seating, a well-stocked jukebox and a door to the back garden, which, while we visited, was being steadily drummed by rain. Although Nita Nita's mixed drink specials ($10 each), including the Tequila Mockingbird and Ginger Rummy, are the most innovative part of the menu, an insidious hangover prevented me from diving into the cocktail options. However, compelled by my duty as a responsible journalist, I returned the following night to try the Barton Pear, an insanely good combination of Grey Goose Lapoire, fresh pineapple and orange juice, seven up and a few other ingredients I failed to note as the drink went to work on my short-term memory. We started with an appetizer special of brie on a toasted baguette alongside a roasted leek soup ($10). The soup smelled great, but turned out to be somewhat bland, though inoffensive, sprinkled with refreshing parsley to give it a little kick. The bread was fresh and flaky, and the brie warm—the perfect addition. Next, we ordered the sautéed greens and shaved parm ($5) next, and got exactly what you'd want from this simple dish. Chopped collards were cooked in butter just long enough to take the edge off the bitter vegetable, release its flavor and keep a crisp freshness intact. Unfortunately, the Mojo potatoes ($5) were disappointing, drenched as they were in a peppery red sauce, but oddly lacking in spice. A salad of cranberries, sliced almonds and feta dressing over pedestrian mixed greens ($6 special, price varies) is a fresh and satisfying, if not massively original, flavor combination. My friend had the Mojo chicken ($7) next: three drumsticks nestled together with a cucumber dipping sauce on a white porcelain plate. The meat was tender, and fell off the bone easily, with a slight spiciness nicely complemented by the cool cucumber. Meanwhile, I inhaled the Cheese Board ($12), a delightfully stinky mix including a sharp aged Gouda that I could taste in the back of my mouth, complimented by apple slices and quince paste. The bar pizza ($6) is a light, cheesy take on Turkish-style pitza, with fresh mozzarella and just enough sauce drizzled over a nicely crisp flatbread. We finished off our meal by sharing a chocolate chip cookie ($2)--after such girl-centric conversation we chose to further the stereotype by daintily considering our figures. The dessert was phenomenal. Though it tasted like almost pure sugar, its gooeyness and melt-in-your mouth perfection was like some long-forgotten childhood memory.
From City Search:
The Scene This is the Williamsburg version of all grown up: Retro couches and a jukebox playing everything from Lou Reed to Jay-Z are tempered with a warm color palette, a polished bar and tables carved from a single cherry tree. The bar's raison d'etre, however, is its charming back patio complete with large wooden benches, wrought iron furniture and climbing ivy.
The Food Simple ingredients shine in chef Aaron Mauze's tapas menu, Just a hint of garlic spices plump garlic shrimp, allowing the freshness of the crustaceans to stand out. A limp pepperoni-laden pizza is none too inspiring; a better option is the pleasantly simple mojo potatoes tossed with olive oil and spices. The star of the menu is a creamy bowl of sweet potatoes mixed with spicy chorizo. The Brooklyn Derby, an impossibly rich, warm brownie topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce, offers an indulgent end to a colorful meal.
Hits: The patio is an absolutely perfect spot for groups of lazing friends to drink and eat away a warm afternoon. Misses: Those with big appetites will want to make this a pre-dinner stop--portions are small and may leave more vigorous eaters wanting more.
Comments
Really lovely food, everything was just right. All of the combination of flavors delighted us, and the portions were large. Everything tasted fresh and warm. Take note of the sweet potato with Chorizo (brilliant) and the Pork loin with sweet apple chutney. Even the simple hummus came with a plentiful amount of pita, hot and crisp.
Service was simple, cozy and friendly. Cocktails were clever and easy to like. The decor has something to gain, but easily ignored with such good food.
Posted by: Kaitlyn Tucek | February 1, 2009 03:07 AM