We had a date with Team America. The movie. And the best part? It was a sing-along. Those of you who know the words to some of the songs in that movie probably understand: that’s bound to be a lot of fun. The showing was at 10 p.m. in TriBeCa. So Irene, Boo, Greg and I headed downtown for drinks and dinner beforehand. We started at Vandaag, a Dutch-influenced gin joint in the East Village. The cocktails and the food were excellent.
The restaurant is a cute little corner spot, and feels bright, modern and airy, just as you’d expect a restaurant that’s going for the Northern European style to feel.
The menu has some unusual and fun drinks, made with gin, yes, but also with aquavit and some other good liquors and liqueurs.
And, a bonus for pregnant people, there are also some non-alcoholic choices:
What did we have? Good question. I don’t know, because I wasn’t drinking. I did taste, and I enjoyed. And they sure are pretty to look at, right?
This was my drink. Shady Lane. Blackberries, lemon and elderflower.
The cast:
Our snacks were out-of-control good. The kale salad was incredible. Fresh, crisp and light but packed a big flavor:
We also had Hete Bliksem, “Hot Lightening,” which is fingerling potatoes, bacon and apple with stroop — or syrup. Crazytown.
Pecans:
And cheese toast:
Excellent, too.
We had another round of drinks, and then headed off to have our real dinner. But keep this one in mind, folks. It’s a keeper.
The 411 on Vandaag: A modern looking, corner restaurant with high ambitions, especially in the cocktail department. Interesting and unique concoctions with gin and aquavit, plus a nice selection of beers and non-alcoholic drinks. The menu is heavy on the comfort food, but has plenty of surprises: A terrific kale salad, especially. Don’t miss the Hete Bliksem, “Hot Lightening,” which is fingerling potatoes, bacon and apple with stroop — or syrup. Crazytown. 103 Second Ave., Manhattan. 212-253-0471, vandaagnyc.com.
