A Rare West Village Miss (with Potential)

NEW YORK

Typically, the neighborhood is a bevy of incredible options. Finally there's one you can skip; or perhaps just at a late hour.

The crowd at Hudson Clearwater is what you expect; everyone looks like an extra in a restaurant in a romantic comedy. And I'm sure dining during an empty hour would be lovely; but the place is just too small. Not expertly run, reservation times can drag on, get bumped, and leave you wondering if it was worth it.





The food is great though. Typical new American, everything delivered. Plan to spend, but spend the planning on dining on a Monday through Wednesday before 9:00 p.m. or else the crowds will crush. (Tiny bar, no waiting area, etc.)

And don't worry about being surprised by great service -- you won't be.

The Basics: http://www.hudsonclearwater.com/
Be Advised: Reservations are a must. The hangar steak is better than the duck. The quinoa salad starter is more of a 6 when you expect a 9. Be good.

Something Central in SoHo

LONDON

More great service -- and cocktails in London. Who knew.



Central & Co combines a cocktail bar's list with a beer bar's vibe. The douche stays primarily at the door; the bartender may have had facial hair, but the vest and bow tie were nowhere to be found. Preferring a t-shirt, he was friendly as f*ck and so were his staff mates.

A good list -- bourbon this, mezcal that. And creative -- if you aren't sure what you want, they'll do something decent for you. Good knowledge of bourbons and other spirits too.




We spent a strong few hours here last month and I look forward to going back. The crowd was mixed -- and by mixed we mean primarily white with the occasional non-white, and a range of ages. Good vibe. Worth going.

The Basics: http://centralandco.com/
Be Advised: We were there on a Saturday night and there were plenty of seats; not sure if this is typical.

Good House on the Canal

AMSTERDAM

The canals define this city; everything is in line with water and cobblestones. Plenty of choices face travelers to this northern outpost, full of ancient wealth from the days of the West Indies Trading Company.


The Canal House hotel is one of many boutique options in a city known for its modernism; every townhouse reveals interiors that are elegant, whether upper or middle class. In between a number of these is the Canal, bathed in black and the perfect place for a clandestine meeting. Maybe an overnight one.




You wouldn't hang out in its sleek, small bar area; but you could. You wouldn't linger in its gorgeous dining room after breakfast; but you could. And you wouldn't want to take the stairs in this maze-like property (and you couldn't). The rooms are the crowning jewel, though; magazine quality, understated, stylized, and appointed with great furniture and amenities. Including the bath products.

Consider the Canal the next time you're in town and need private space.

The Basics: Canal House
Be Advised: Not cheap, and not directly in the center of town -- but better. A quiet off-street yields better relaxation; and the city balances elegant and dirty well. (This property lands in the former.)

Opening a Vault in SoHo

LONDON

In New York, SoHo means cafes, high end retail, a European ex-pat haven, and general elegance. In London, it's something different.

A visit to Coal Vaults in London's SoHo district reveals the youthful spirit of the original namesake. Buried beneath a string of loud bars, the place delivers -- friendly service, fun good and good cocktails. Venison burgers, pig's cheek, charred quail -- nothing we had wasn't at least good. And most of it was great.

What was most surprising were the smiles and warmth we received from the young hipster server. Nearly extinct these days, that kind of vibe is worth seeking out. Cheerio.

The Basics: http://www.coalvaults.com/
Be Advised: A later reservation reveals the sloppiness of SoHo streets; young and fun, but don't wear open toed shoes.