Travel & Guides

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• October 23, 2005
• Neighborhood Watch

Neigborhood Watch:
Duncan Quinn

Lawyer by day, menswear connoisseur by night, designer Duncan Quinn could be the busiest well-dressed guy above and below 14th Street. But when it comes time for a bit of wining and dining, the British gentleman prefers to prowl around the downtown environs of his eponymous NoLita shop. Here are his five favorite stops for satisfying his cravings for food and cockatils close to home.

1. Schiller's Liquor Bar—131 Rivington Street, 212-260-4555
Unfortunately, Henry the bartender here makes far too good a cocktail for my liking...his Wet Ginger Martini is basically lethal. I like starting out there earlyish, around 8 p.m. and watching the place fill up. My favorite spot is the corner booth with some interesting company to share the garlic shrimp, which are great, and the roasted chicken.

2. The Peasant Wine Bar—194 Elizabeth Street, 212-965-9511
The bar beneath the restaurant Peasant is really cosy and low lit, with a great Italian wine list paired with really good simple Italian plates...perfect for a fairly close group of friends, but not the kind of place you take a "date."

3. Hampton Chutney Company—68 Prince Street, 212-226-9996
If you're in a mellow mood and fancy something quick, healthy, and delicious, Hampton Chutney simply can't be beaten...the cilantro chutney is completely and utterly addictive.

4. Azul—152 Stanton Street, 212-477-9463
When I fancy feeling like a true Porteño, I wander over to Azul for entrana [a flank-like steak] and morcilla [Argentine blood sausage]. Mixed with a little Felipe Rutini red wine, it definitely conjures up images of Recoletta and Palermo as the Argentine staff and Quilmes local beer décor can attest to.

5. Cafe Habana—229 Elizabeth Street, 212-625-2002
Finally, the day is never complete without a trip to Cafe Habana to munch on some fine Cuban fare and observe the local wildlife at work...always at its best for excellent people-watching on the weekend.

Lawyer by day, menswear connoisseur by night, designer Duncan Quinn could be the busiest well-dressed guy above and below 14th Street. But when it comes time for a bit of wining and dining, the British gentlemen prefers to prowl around the downtown environs of his eponymous NoLita shop. Here are his five favorite stops for satisfying his cravings for food and cocktails close to home.