(Photo courtesy of Vic’s)
Anyone who’s been to Italy knows the joy of the pre-dinner aperitivo hour, wherein you down Aperol spritzes while noshing on a cornucopia of free appetizers. Unfortunately, that generous tradition hasn’t really caught on in New York City, where even dining in a dumpster will cost you. Sure, there are some restaurants that have adopted it, but they tend to be places where you otherwise wouldn’t think to eat (sorry, not traveling to midtown for free sardines). That’ll change Monday, March 26, when one of our favorite Noho restaurants, Vic’s, launches its aperitivi service.
On weekdays from 4pm to 6pm, the winsome Italian sister of Cookshop and Rosie’s will serve free snacks along with drinks priced at a refreshingly reasonable $10. If you’re not sure whether you should be sipping coffee or cocktails at this hour (Daylight Saving Time does make it harder to day-drink under cover of darkness), rest assured there’s also the option of a $6 corretto, i.e. a shot of espresso paired with a bit of booze.
The snacks, served in the bar area, won’t be laid out buffet-style, as in some Milan restaurants. But that doesn’t mean Vic’s is being stingy; you’ll get a new round every time you order a drink. Here’s a look at the menu.
Aperitivi – $10
Negroni: London Dry Gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari
Sbagliato: Prosecco, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
Cynar Spritz: Cynar, San Pellegrino Chinotto, Prosecco, Orange
Royal Spritz: Rosolio, Cocchi Americano, Prosecco, Lemon
Amaro & Soda: Zucca Rhubarb Amaro, Soda, Grapefruit
Corretto – $6.
“Corrected coffee” in Italian, this is a robust pairing of a shot of something caffeinated and a hit of something boozy.
Birra Corretto: 1/2 Pint Gun Hill Kolsh with a Montenegro Amaro back.
Cafe Corretto: Espresso Shot with a choice of a Sambuca or Grappa back.
Snacks – gratis with drinks.
Chef will be rotating 2-3 dishes daily.
Potato chips, lemon, black pepper
Piccolo panino, mortadella, mustard
Marinated Olives, sweet vermouth, chilies
Anchovies, butter, tarragon
Stuffed Peppers, lovage, fontina
Cacciatorini, fennel, thyme
Pane strappato, garlic, chili, pecorino
Pizzette, cured tomatoes, anchovies, oregano
Marinated Albacore, caraway, harissa, thyme