Dirt Candy
430 E. Ninth St.; 212-228-7732
Die-hard vegetarians may know Amanda Cohen from her days at healthy hot spots Teany and Pure Food and Wine. Now, the meat-free foodie has opened her own place: a tiny, 18-seat, certified Green restaurant that’s made of recycled materials from Kirei wood walls to linoleum tables. As for the name “Dirt Candy,” Cohen explains that the restaurant is an ode to what she considers dirt’s delicious candy: vegetables.
Must-have meal: Kimchi doughnuts with watermelon radish salad and green chutney dipping sauce ($12); carrot risotto with carrot dumplings and Parmesan curls ($16); and a popcorn pudding with hazelnut caramel corn ($10), from pastry chef Debbie Lee (of P*ONG)
Soundtrack: An eclectic and melodic mix of artists like Astrud Gilberto, Marvin Gaye, and Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 5:30-11 p.m.
Braeburn
117 Perry St.; 212-255-0696
The West Village has never had a shortage of celebrated restaurants (or celebrities), and the opening of Braeburn adds a new contender to top of the list. Owned by the Harrison’s former top toque Brian Bistrong, the restaurant offers seasonal American fare in an organically elegant setting, complete with light, walnut wood floors, alder-wood branches and rich chocolate brown banquettes with
mesquite-tiled tables.
Must-have meal: Warm, smoked local trout with potato salad and apple horseradish sauce ($10); rack of pork, glazed with honey and thyme (right, $30); and apple cider doughnut holes with local cider syrup ($8)
Soundtrack: Classic and contemporary rock like Bob Dylan and Ben Harper
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 5:30-11 p.m; Fri. & Sat., 5:30-11:30 p.m.; and Sun., 5-10 p.m.