Is New York’s Best Neapolitan Pizza Coming To The West Village?

This week, Will came into the office looking a little worse for the wear after eating at what is perhaps Manhattan’s spiciest restaurant right now. Meanwhile, Arden took a friend with a migraine to a place that had the opposite (read: soothing) effect. Besides enjoying great meals on both ends of the pain spectrum, we’re looking forward to a couple of pop-ups—plus Bryan just spotted a very interesting liquor license application in the West Village. —Sonal Shah

The following scene reports are (lightly edited) daily updates from our team Slack channel #where-we-been.

Ow. But yum. My two friends sweat through their shirts at Hungry Spicy. My stomach doesn’t feel fantastic. A few details I think are cute: the host stand is shelled with craft beer cans (though they’re not selling beer yet—waiting on a license). And also, when you get your check, they ask you to scan a QR code to give them a Google review, then give you a scratch off for things like a free drink, 5% off, 10% off etc. Panang, kra-pao-getty (kra pow over pasta), and the whole branzino topped with roasted garlic and breadcrumbs were so good. The kua kling made my friend cry—it’s kinda unpleasant and it’s $42. We didn’t finish it. But if you need to eat the spiciest thing you’ve ever had, go for it. —Will Hartman

Unlocked a new perfect for last night: migraines. My dining companion had one but still wanted to go out. Dim lighting was a must; music could be loud as long as it wasn't frenetic; fish sounded bad. We ended up at Café Bar J.F., eating some seafood (clams and mussels!) and the whole meal was realllly tasty. Had fun sitting at the bar and schmoozing with neighbors and a very sherry/Raymond Carver-knowledgeable bartender. The ribeye tonnato is the best thing I’ve eaten this month. I like how they de-2017-ified this space. A really nice option for stumbling in on a weeknight when you want to feel held. —Arden Shore

Kirbee’s is ramping up for their opening with a pop-up at Bar Snack (August 11). It’s a no-reservations situation, so in true Texas BBQ fashion, line up early if you want to try it. —WH

Bed-Stuy’s Welcome Home is coming to Crown Heights. They’re popping up at Briscola every Friday-Sunday in August, with bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and other treats. —Willa Moore

Midori is suddenly everywhere. Since Smithereens Zine’s last issue, I’ve noticed Midori sours and other drinks incorporating the unnaturally green liquor popping up at Cote 550, Shania’s Max Bet, Tin’s, Briscola, and Zoli (a watermelon spritz with Midori coconut jelly). —SS

Bodega Nights is hosting Sunday movie nights through the end of September. Stop by for Mad Max: Fury Road, or Dirty Dancing and a glass of natural wine. —WH

I recently ate by myself at Graciela, the new West Village restaurant that people in our office won’t stop talking about, where the bartender let me in on a secret: If you sit at the bar, you can order half-portions of certain steaks. I went with the short rib and skirt (the winner of the two), both of which cost $28. The guy sitting next to me also poured me a glass of his wine, and, at the end of my meal, the kitchen sent out a spread of free ice cream. It wasn’t special treatment. That’s just what they do. —Bryan Kim

According to someone with Campari ties I met at a party, the city’s demand for Sarti Rosa may soon outstrip the supply, thanks to influencers who have crowned this drink the spritz of the summer. —SS

Is New York City’s best Neapolitan pizza coming to the West Village? TBD. Info is scarce for now (we’ve reached out for more), but the people behind Una Pizza Napoletana have applied for a liquor license at 30 Jane Street. According to the application, the place will be reservation-only and primarily open Thursday through Sunday. Sure sounds like a second Una Pizza Napoletana. —BK

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