🇺🇸Found a Beautiful & Lovely Little Wine Bar in NYC! 🍷

Many NYC bistros tend to lean delicate, but that delicate touch can often end up bland or just… not tasty (trust me, I’ve had my share of misses). So, I didn’t have huge expectations for Bridges. But what a pleasant surprise! Nothing here is overpowering — just gentle, balanced, and genuinely comforting. While the mains were just okay, the appetizers were truly standout. 🧀 Comté Tart – Their cheese tart toppings rotate; ours came with mushrooms and black truffle. Rich umami, light cream sauce, and a soft, savory cheese filling — all in perfect harmony. 🐟 Sardines & Pickled Rhubarb – Finally, sardines that aren’t fishy! Tender fish paired with tangy rhubarb on a thin, crispy bread base. Bright and refreshing. 🥚 Sea Urchin Custard with Shrimp – Essentially a delicate chawanmushi-style egg custard. Smooth and silky, with sweet uni and shrimp. Comforting, though maybe not a must-order. 🐟 Cured Tuna & Black Trumpets & Dates – Sweet, soft dates take the lead here, complemented by tuna texture and earthy black trumpet mushrooms. 🥟 Smoked Eel Dumplings – More like tortellini filled with smoky eel in a savory broth. Pleasant but not particularly memorable. 🐮 Sweetbread & Leeks – As a sweetbread lover, I order it often. Here, the crust was nicely seared but the meat was thin and lacked tenderness. Served with leeks and mustard seeds. 🦆 Roast Duck & Swiss Chard & Potato – Tender duck with crispy skin (though not super crunchy), classic greens, and silky potato purée with a subtle shacha sauce note — almost Chinese-inspired! 🍫 Chocolate & Hazelnut Tart – Rich, dense, and deeply satisfying — a chocolate lover’s dream. 🍨 Rhubarb Gelato – Tart and refreshing. Paired with the tart, it’s a perfect sweet ending. The wine selection was thoughtful, the vibe is polished yet cozy (great for dates!), and it’s quite popular — reservations recommended, or arrive early to walk in. #BridgesNYC #WineBar #NYCBistro #NYCEats #DateNightSpot #SmallPlates #NYCRestaurants #HiddenGem #NYCFoodie #ComfortFood #EatDrinkNYC #ChocolateTart #NYCDining