FOOD: Pravda [NYC]

I think at one point, Pravda was considered hip and trendy.  I can see why...the Soho location, the underground feel, the fact that they serve champagne and caviar.  But now that the alleged hype has gone down, this is a great place to go for a holiday drink and some of the best and most interesting food I've had in a while.
I'll start with the food first, because I'm still thinking about it.  Sometimes I love having a bunch of different appetizers for dinner.  This way you get to try a lot more things on the menu and often times that's just my favorite part of the meal anyway.  So on this particular occasion, we shared a few different things: the trout roe, chicken liver, mushroom and arugula pizza, and a plate of various smoked fish.  This was perhaps one of my favorite meals in a long time.  Everything was absolutely amazing and it was all food I love, but rarely get to have.
Pravda's deal is basically vodka and caviar.  It sounds super swanky, and it honestly kind of is.  I haven't been to a place like this before and I am already so excited to go back.  Vodka is kind of indifferent to me though, honestly.  But after whiskey/bourbon, that would be my liquor of choice so maybe next time I will be more adventurous and try a vodka cocktail.  But on this trip, I went for a classic Manhattan, which did not disappoint.
Caviar is amazing, just going to put that out there.  Here, you can get really fancy and pay hundreds of dollars, or you can order modestly and go for the salmon or trout roe.  I love this stuff so, so much.  I know I have had salmon roe before, probably on sushi, but the trout roe was equally amazing.  It is not as salty and maybe tastes a little fishier, but it was just so good.  There was some sort of crème fraiche and little pancakes that came with it and thinking about it now, at almost noon, just makes me want it all over again.
The vibe of Pravda is perfect for a date or a group of friends who feel like being a little fancy for an evening.  The crowd is a little older and the atmosphere is very romantic and dark.  This was such a unique place, especially for me, that I am just dying to go back.  They decorated perfectly for the holidays and it felt very cozy and quintessential Manhattan.  The appetizer portions were perfect--I'm always worried everything is going to be like baby food, but we were very pleasantly surprised.  And the cocktails are strong and delicious.

Pravda
281 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012