Craft Restaurant NYC

I recently reconnected with an old high school friend on that greatest killer of time: Facebook. We had out first "man date" at Momofuku Ssam Bar, based on the New York Times' wine guru - Eric Asimov's recommendation. Josh suggested we hit up Craft, next, and for the occassion I set him up on a blind date with a friend of Juliana's, Joanna. So after packing in a full day at the library I was off to Craft Restaurant last night with Juliana, Joanna, and Josh.

We started with an assortment of martinis, followed up by a bottle of Salomon Undhof "Von Stein" Gruner Veltliner Reserve 2006 * recommended by our cheerfully friendly server. "From primary rock terrasses in Stein, at the Hund and Danzer vineyard sites," this displayed a pale hay color, strongly suggestive honeyed apricot and almond oil on the nose. Soft and light on the palate and only mildly sweet with a touch of adicity, this went well with oysters. I then ordered Burgundy to finish our main courses.

2005 Dom. Taupenot-Merme Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "La Combe d'Orveau" *** This was a "wow" wine. From 62-year old vines, this exhibited a deep, lush red rose color. Rich and full-bodied, with oak, dried cranberries and raspberries, and an invisible - but undeniable - structure: enough acidity to balance the serious lemon-cream sauces of our triggerfish, halibut, scallops, and grouper. There's very little information about this domaine online, but from what I can gather, the proprietors have 32 acres in Burgundy (no small amount) with parcels in Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Morey St.-Denis, Nuits-St. Georges Les Prulières 1er Cru, Charmes Chambertin, and Mazoyères Chambertin — and produce excellent wines, all at very reasonable prices (for Burgundy).