New York Daily News
From: Arts and Lifestyle | Food | Friday, June 21, 2002

It's Apps That Make A Heart Grow Fonder

Bigger isn't always better and lately I've found a fondness for appetizers over entrees. It's fun hanging with friends toying with finger foods and swapping small plates of tapas around a chatty table. This must appeal to chefs, too, as they often put more zest in their starter dishes than their larger meals. Here are a few restaurants that are great for grazing.

Oznot's Dish
79 Berry St.
(718) 599-6596
The colorful, curvy and tiled interior of this Williamsburg gem was created by artist-owner Eric Baum. Dig into grilled octopus marinated in green tea ($8), and a meze plate tailored to vegetarians or seafood lovers that boasts dolma, pickled vegetables and baba ghanouj.

Press 195
195 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn
(718) 857-1950
Salads and pressed sandwiches made with Hudson Valley apples, honey and maple syrup are reasons to gather in the backyard or amid walls sponged sunny yellow. This relaxed wine bar that opened Monday serves pork, cheese and jalapeno on ciabatta ($7); pressed hot dogs for kids.

Rhone
63 Gansevoort St.
(212) 367-8440
Charcuterie platters are popular at this lofty brick and concrete space in the Meatpacking District. The $12 spread selection includes delicacies like tomato and eggplant caviar and cumin-spiked hummus, along with bread that chef Stuart Dove has subtly seasoned.

Suba
109 Ludlow St.
(212) 982-5714
Dinner guests get to experience the dark moatish "water room," while the street-level lounge has glass doors sheathed in fabric and tasty $3 tapas that vary from chorizo on peasant bread to grilled sardines and goat cheese arepas. A slip-wearing waitress reminds you this is the lower East Side.

Xunta
174 First Ave., at 10th St.
(212) 614-0620
Enjoy live music Tuesdays (guitar), Wednesdays (Cuban) and Thursdays (flamenco), well-made sangria and a tapas menu featuring garlicky shrimp ($6.75).