My last trip to Marea was, as always, as memorable as the first. It’s was great to catch up with my good friend Sam who bartender there, enjoy a glass of wine, catch up on life events and eat some incredible food. Those who truly know me know that I am perfectly happy sitting at the bar enjoying a night out instead of at a table In a sea of other tables in a crowded restaurant. Magic happens when you connect with a bartender on a personal level and get to know each other. It’s an interaction that is very different than that of table service and one that I both prefer and cherish. Good bartenders are not only great with a drink recommendation but they typically know the food better than anyone other than the kitchen staff and are always well equipped with a quick wit and casual conversation that just makes the night flow by like an enjoyable walk in the park. They are part joker, philosophizer, host, mind reader, arbitrator, negotiator, peacemaker, judge and jury. What they say goes, right or wrong. Don’t cross them, don’t patronize them, do not look at them as servants, they are the salt of the earth and can determine your fate in an instant. They are gypsies of the night ready to ply you with their trade and then send you into the night with an unforgettable experience or the wrath of god. Tread lightly and wisely and always tip well to those who carry your fate in their hands. Pictured is the bar at Marea, followed by an incredible bottle of Alberto and Diego Mora’s Cusimano Etna Rosso 2016. The wine is vibrant with notes of ripe plums, herbs, blueberries and strawberries with a minerality and acidity that courses through the wine.it is delicious and if you find it, drink it. . . . . . #marea #bartenders #greatbartenders #gypsiesofthenight #philosophers #arbitrators #magic #joker #negotiator #judge #jury #cusimano #altamarea #etnarosso #redwine #nerellomascalese #mountetna #sicily #delicious #winelover #greatwines #delicious #deliciouswine #wineislove #nyc #nyclife #nycmanofmanytalents #outrageouslydelicious #nyc #nyclife (at Marea) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6EAMWxHTex/?igshid=o5l69vgno5rj
