Water Torture

So I got to wondering, is this some disturbing new trend? Or merely the latest form of water torture?

It all began with a meal at Minetta Tavern on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend - and a scrumptious meal, it was! The food was plentiful, familiar yet inventive, and right on point. (hit up that link and drool over the menu) The service was outstanding and the setting couldn't be more agreeable. The water? It was served in a "charming" vintage bottle and could best be described as tepid. Actually, the word "warm" is more to the point. We asked for ice.

That Saturday night, we dined at The Mermaid Inn, a quaint little seafood house not far from my home. The oysters were fresh and briny, the service outstanding, the setting very New England ... and the water? Served in a "charming" vintage bottle at room temperature. Le sigh.

Sunday, now the Sunday of Memorial weekend was a banner day. Some friends and family gathered for our 3rd Annual Hipster Day - a day we set aside to roam the streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, drinking and dining at will. Its a blast! This year, we began at El Almacen, a cozy little Argentinian restaurant with a lovely outdoor space. We had brunch - a luscious and creamy egg/chorizo skillet for the husband, huevos rancheros for the sister in law, Baja style fish tacos for the Snack Bee and myself. The food was exquisite, the service a-ok, the drinks menu intoxicating ... and the water? Served in "charming" vintage bottles at room temperature. I kid you not.

Following brunch we did a bit of shopping and made a brief stop at The Lodge for my favorite blueberry lemonade. It was every bit as good as I'd remember and, happily, there was no need for water.

Later on, our merry little group, high-tailed it to Traif - a fabulous new restaurant that bears the inviting tag-line: "celebrating pork, shellfish & globally inspired soul food." Translation ... everything here comes with bacon. Love it! And we did love it, so much so that really, Traif deserves a post of its own at some point. The food was magnificent, their cocktail menu was inventive and exciting, the service was beyond friendly and accommodating ... and the water? You know what I'm going to say, right? The saving grace here was that the water was marginally colder than room temperature and we didn't need to ask for refills.

Finally, last Tuesday night I found myself enjoying the Yankee Game from the front row of the Audi Club - and a fine game it was too. A lavish buffet was included with the price of the ticket and we certainly made the most of it. That evening, I dined on a succulent roast loin of pork, with olive oil mashed potatoes and a melange of roasted seasonal veggies. Salads, soups, several kinds of cheese, and two different kinds of "sliders" were offered as well. In addition, the buffet boasted sushi, 3 different types of stroganoff, hot dogs, snack items and a host of sugary, chocolaty desserts.

The food was hot, fresh and plentiful, the service adequate, the setting lovely ... and the water? I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but I will: served in "charming" vintage bottles at room temperature. Et tu, Yankee Stadium, et tu?

What in the world is going on here? Listen to me New York City restaurant people: if one more server approaches me with a vintage bottle of warm tap water I am going to flip my ever-lovin' tiara! You've been warned.

I don't need, or want, fancy bottled water, NYC tap is a-ok with me ... but would it kill you to throw a little ice into it?!

Cheers!

p.s. - when I finally have a night at home, I swear I'm going to cook a meal and post about it. Really, I mean it! Hang in there with me. ;)