Middle Village is a neighborhood known for... not much. Unless you're me, in which case Middle Village is know for Uvarara, a completely hidden-gem Italian wine bar/small plates restaurant that's so far off the beaten path that you'd almost ask if they were looking to be avoided. Once upon a time, the location was a headstone and monument shop, so the building resembling an ancient Gothic chapel, complete with exposed stonework, wide arches, wrought iron crosses, heavy medieval style furniture and glowing white candles, to match the architecture and ambience of the buildings at St. John's Cemetery down the block.
Operagirl's in the city often enough, thanks to the Met, and it was on one such drive to town that she called to remind me that I owed her dinner. This got me thinking. I hadn't been to Uvarara in well over a year, despite continuously wanting to go. She had some free time and a car. Driving in. eh? I noted. "Yes..." Even over the phone, I could tell that she raised an eyebrow. Soon, she had pulled in front of my building and we sped off like thieves in the night towards the Village of Middle, in the County of Queens.
Like I said, Uvarara's a wine bar. So we poured over their rather large menu and ended up pounding back two bottles of their 2005 Enfer D'Arvier. This bottle was $30, the least expensive on the menu. The average is probably in the low $40s, but you can find something for $100 if you're so inclined. One thing for sure. No bulk vineyards here, only real wine. This particular night, we were the only customers (the Valentine's Day decorations were still up, so pardon the paper hearts). "It's the rain," our waitress presumed. This is a damned crime. Uvarara should be continuously packed.
As Uvarara is also a small-plates restaurant, Operagirl and I ordered a handful of things to share. If you want an entree, they exist too, but they're specials and won't be on the menu they have on their website. We ordered one special.
First up, the Gnocchi Alla Romana (see above), a baked semolina gnocchi served in butter and Parmesan cheese. Did I say served in? I meant bathed in. It was like eating cheesy, buttery sponges and believe me, amazing is just about the only word to describe it. When I asked Operagirl what she thought she just kind of closed her eyes and said "you can coat me in this." I'll probably never eat here and not order their gnocchi. Then, the Ovidio, a collection of four meats: prosciutto, salami, prosciutto cotto, and mortadella. To me, a non-Italian who wasn't raised on the stuff, this tasted perfect. My ex, who was Italian (or at least her parents were), was indifferent to this when we ordered it some time ago.
The Tortini Di Polenta, a warm slab of polenta topped with mushroom and melted fontina cheese, was the weakest dish primarily because it was a too dry. It was still good, but I recommend a glass of water to go with it. Far better than good was our sandwich, the Colosseo, was an admittedly somewhat generic sandwich, but the quality was just so good. Foccaccia panini with grilled chicken, tomato, mozzarella and pesto. The moist warm chicken with the cold tomato to contrast it was delicious. We also split one entree, the Ravioli Al Cioccolato, chocolate ravioli. Not ravioli with a chocolate stuffing or ravioli with a chocolate sauce, like it was supposed to be a dessert dish, but ravioli made with chocolate in the dough, stuffed with ricotta and topped with mushrooms and cream. It was fantastic. By this point though, we were just too full to finish it. We asked for it to be wrapped up and used the last remaining empty bit of our stomachs for dessert.
And so the night ended by polishing off what was left of the wine and ordering a Tiramisu, served in a coffee cup and dusted with cocoa powder. "I love that you can taste the rum", Operagirl said, and we both decided that it was just about the best way to end our meal.
Two bottles of wine, three small plates, one panini, one entree and one dessert plus tax and tip, totalled about around $150.
though i happen to adore the mushroom polenta (the version that's covered in red sauce is too red saucy), i completely agree that this place doesn't get the love it deserves. i've tried almost every item on the regular menu. i live within walking distance, a bonus for obvious reasons, and try to eat here whenever possible. the billiards hall/cafe next door is for rent, and i dream that uvarara will take over that space and expand--most weekends, you can't get a table, regardless of the weather (i assume you went sometime during sunday-thursday?).
ReplyDeletealso, i think it's worth noting that there are no wine flights on the menu but they are absolutely available. you must choose your selections from the by-the-glass list, but it's still a fantastic option. and, on a related note, prosecco is usually not on the by-the-glass list at all, but is most definitely available that way.
I am there. Place looks cool and Middle Village isnt too far away. I am sure the lady will like how romantic it is. Thanks Jon. BTW, I ate at dbgb in the Bowery, yummy, great beer list, ur type of place.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we went on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Whichever day was pouring rain. They really should put the wine flights on the menu. And they should join OpenTable.
ReplyDeleteAnd DBGB, check. It's on the list.
I went to Uvara last night. Great suggestion!!! Very good wine list, the atmosphere was very romantic to the lady coupled with A+ service and good food. The meat and cheese board was standard with Danny Browns carrying better selections. Followed that with some excellent chicken soup with copious amts. of shredded chicken, above average meatballs and a panini that was as good as they get with fresh peepers, bread and other ruffage. Thanks Jon, I never knew it was there.
ReplyDeleteoh, about those meat & cheese boards, a weird thing i've noticed that they do is serve generic/americanized meats and cheeses to people who don't seem to be familiar with italian food or customers they don't know. when i went with regulars, they would serve a great, unique selection. but when i went with new people, they'd give us salami and provolone. still good, but kind of an odd thing.
ReplyDeleteThe gnocchi are little pillows of heaven. I've never tasted any like them before. Just thinking about them now makes my mouth water! Went with friends who had been there before and loved everything I tried. One note on the mushroom risotto (which was a special that night)- it was most certainly NOT a risotto. Neither in rice type, nor consistency. Having said that, it was a passible rice dish. That was my one and only negative from that night! Otherwise LOVED the place. The interiaor is lovely beyond belief, but much smaller than I imagined.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Service was excellent: the bartender came over to uncork our wine and chat (the place was packed), and the waitress was friendly and helpful.