Sunday: A Tropical Staycation in New York City - Part 3
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Serving imaginative Italian coastal cuisine, Santina draws inspiration for both the plates and color palette from the Amalfi coast. While the shores of Italy are a bit north of tropical, Santina's airy room, swaying palm trees and servers sporting pastel shirts do the trick in transporting you to a climate conducive to colorful cocktails and carefree afternoons.
Sure, brunch at Santina is much more a scene than a serene, surf-side escape. It is, after all, situated directly under the southern terminus of the tourist traversed High Line, which puts you smack-dab in the middle of the Meatpacking District. But, compared to the clamorous dinner service catering to the well-heeled and well-connected, the early afternoon action is, thankfully, far more laid back and accessible.
As for the food, the few breakfast oriented egg dishes are good, particularly the rock shrimp frittata. But, the lunch options are better, the best of which is a sea bass sandwich, which consists of a deep fried filet, sliced tomatoes, slaw and an olive-caper tartare sauce spread onto a toasted sesame seed bun. Recently made an "off-menu" item and periodically available with swordfish instead of sea bass, the sandwich is so good you'll want two. Throw in an exceptional side of crispy, spicy potatoes and you're all set.
The cocktails are all well done, but if you want something sans alcohol, go for the delicious coconut iced coffee, made with cold-brewed coffee, a shot of espresso and coconut cream.
Yes, it's all pretty pricey, but your'e on vacation, so it doesn't count.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
-Total Cost: About $60 per person for a brunch plate, a coffee and a cocktail.
-Santina accepts reservations for brunch and, unlike dinner, you won't have to plan for it weeks in advance. A table can typically be secured on a whim.
After brunch, take a short walk along the water to The Rusty Knot, a nautically themed bar that's more Cape Cod dive than Caribbean hot spot, but still perfectly fitting for our island fantasy.
Vintage rattan lounge chairs are positioned in front of large windows that overlook the Hudson River, ideal seats for catching some winter rays when the afternoon sun pours in through the western exposure. If the view isn't enough to hold your attention, there's also a pool table and a free-play juke box.
Drinks are served in coconuts, tiki mugs and plastic juice cups. Sure, when your $8 draft beer comes in a red cup straight from a summer camp cafeteria, it's sort of a bummer. But, the selection of moderately priced tropical cocktails makes up for it. Try the eponymous Rusty Knot, a frozen mint daiquiri garnished with a tiny plastic mermaid.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
-Total Cost: About $25 for a couple drinks.
-A short menu of tacos and other snacks is also available.
-The Rusty Knot opens at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Once the sun begins to set, make your way East to The Happiest Hour, a bar and restaurant that recalls a mid-century Palm Springs resort.
Up front you'll find a horseshoe bar and a standing table for those who are there solely for drinks, which are great, by the way. In the back is a dimly lit dining room with palm-frond wall paper and large semicircle banquettes, a place right out of the Pete Campbell playbook for where to canoodle with the California girl he just picked up at the bar.
The menu features a short list of salads, sandwiches and burgers. Ignore everything but the Happiest Burger, an ode to In-N-Out with two grass-fed beef patties dripping in American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, confit onions and (of course) a special sauce. It is supremely satisfying and an excellent end to your weekend staycation.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
-Total Cost: Under $35 for a burger and cocktail. Tax and tip included.
-The Happiest Hour is walk-in only, but on a Sunday evening, the wait won't be too long, if there is one at all.
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