FOOD: Frank Restaurant & Vera Bar -- East Village

[Photo from Immaculate Infatuation]

If you live in the East Village, or go there often, I'm sure you've heard of Frank.  But if you don't live there, then this should be the next place you go to the next time you find yourself around 5th and 2nd Ave.

Frank is the epitome of a neighborhood restaurant--which is what I loved about it.  The decor is eclectic yet homey, and the food is reminiscent of the food your mom would make, only better.  I didn't explore the extensive wine list on my first visit but I will be sure to return and give it a good look over.

When I went, I had the black linguini with calamari, which was amazing.  The portion was perfectly sized, which sometimes is not always the case with Italian food.  We sat  outside and peopled watched for over an hour, which 2nd Avenue is perfect for doing.  Now that it's cold though, the inside is rather small, but that won't stop me from going back.  There are so many great bars in the area that if you have to wait there will be plenty to do.  And same goes for afterwards.  Pop over to Bua or Cooper's and there you have a promising night in the East Village.

Frank Restaurant & Vera Bar
88 Second Ave
New York, NY