Somewhere Quiet!
How often does that request cum catch-cry get thrown around when discussing dining options? Mmm, thinking…thinking…
Anyhoo, obviously enough that some very smart New Yorkers have sat up, listened and got down to compile The Tuned Down list. Yes! A index of eight establishments where it is all about the big quiet and loud Shh 
The last time I came across a bit of shh was in the East Village at Burp Castle, where the monk bartender who moonlighted as a opera singer (…Or maybe that was her day job??? Mmm…) sang to her patrons and if the noise level in this teeny weeny heavenly space (painted in all monastery scenes and floaty clouds, and hidden behind a grotty iron gate with wheelie bin parked by the front door) rose to a decibel that did not meet monkish approval, we would be shh’d to a tolerant whisper just like a bunch of naughty school kids. The whole bar only held about 20 people and was a treasure of a stumble-upon find.
Tinerate, I totally agree with using the inside voice on occasion. And I do realise it may read like a complete oxymoron, however, sometimes, even in the city that never sleeps, you just want to be able to hear your friends when you go to a restaurant. And, more importantly, not go hoarse screaming over the crowd just to hold a conversation. (Although, that raspy chocolaty tone can be most becoming )
Soo, that’s why when I saw this article about these New York City gems where ‘comfort and conversation don’t come at the expense of tasty food’ posted by PureWow, I simply had to share at least a couple…
Little Park, located in the Symth Hotel, Tribeca, with its contemporary edge but comfy booths has me booking already Especially loving the handpicked bouquets and crystal cut water tumblers.
Just around the block from my itsy bitsy apartment, in the West Village, is Little Owl (I seem to be on a small roll ) This one is billed as cosily romantic but I’m smitten with the floor to ceiling windows for great people watching. Can’t wait to try it!
And my last pick of the litter is actually a favourite of AP and mine already. Again within a stones throw from basecamp and just around a few corners, is Lafayette…A tres chic French bistro oasis in the thick of bustling downtown.
Anyhoo, this is only a teaser; be sure to check out the rest of the offerings on PureWow.com.
Till next time.
Tipsy Pipsy xo