Many people say these words about many different restaurants, but New Rochelle’s Gnarly Vine is a restaurant with a European soul. Not only does the Gnarly Vine’s open bar-kitchen and small plate menu evoke the tapas bars of Spain, but its extensive, 130 bottle wine list showcases great world wines without the peculiarly American focus on price. At Gnarly Vine, you can snag a great bottle of wine for $30 (or you can drop $300); in either case, your wine will be a solid choice. Of course, if you don’t want to commit to a bottle, there’s a 25 label by-the-glass list. There are also plentiful craft beers in bottles and cans. The similarity of the Gnarly Vine to the tapas bars of Spain comes as no accident. Chef/Owner William Leon trained in Spain and in Mexico before setting up shop here in 2007. Leon’s menu reflects his European background—look for generous boards of excellent cheeses and charcuterie, plus well-executed tapas that include tuna tartare; Gorgonzola, pear, and truffle honey flatbreads; and chorizo, Pepper Jack and chipotle aioli quesadillas. Whether you’re stopping for a bite or staying for a meal, there’s plenty at Gnarly Vine to eat. Plus, its menu of small plates and sharable platter is perfectly scaled for groups. But don’t take our word for it. The Gnarly Vine was recently the subject of this great article in the New York Times on wine bars, plus, it’s a perennial favorite of Westchester Magazine, The-50-Best-Drink-Spots-in-Westchester and the Journal News. Check the Gnarly Vine’s site for its regularly scheduled live music—or simply drop in whenever you’d like a post work drink, great food, and excellent company.
The New Rochelle BID’s Downtown Grand Market is a morning farmer’s market located at Library Green (1 Lawton St, New Rochelle, NY) every Sat from June 1–Oct. 26 at 9 a.m–2 p.m. Contact info@grandmarket.com or call 914-960-1460 for more info.
