Counter

Unlikely as it may sound, Counter, a self-proclaimed vegetarian bistro, is just as richly satisfying as French fare, without the weight of a classic cassoulet or a toasty croque-monsieur. Executive chef Whitney Aycock's invigorating organic menu is so heartily and cleanly executed that thoughts of meat are instantly forgotten.

Our organic cocktails arrived in gorgeous vintage champagne glasses. The Angry Lesbian ($12), featuring Prairie organic vodka, was more well meaning than bitter; summery, rum-based Vampire's Punch ($13) had a certain bite; Pimienta Loca ($13) with Tierras Blanco tequila, jalape�o and agave nectar was slightly wicked and very drinkable.

A mature, golden and biodynamic Slovenian Tocai ($39/bottle) with a hint of cream sherry and apple was an admirable pairing with our small plates: a velvety pur�e of fungi and truffle oil composed the Wild Mushroom Martini ($9) with tasty black garlic toasts; shaved Baby Brussels Sprouts ($8) with blue cheese and spiced pecans were scrumptious; chilled Red Quinoa ($10), a lightly prepared dense grain, was another fine plate with seasonal greens and roasted fennel; warm Spaghetti Squash Spaghettini ($9) was our absolute favorite, perfectly coupled with a sumptuous roasted garlic tomato sauce.

We paused for pastas such as Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli ($8) in a wintry spiced cream with crushed ginger snaps, and Sweet Potato Gnocchi ($10) with crisped chestnuts and a lot of sage-brown butter sauce. What wonderful crusts made the foundations of our flatbread pizzas! We scavenged over Local Mushroom Flatbread Pizza ($14) with black truffle oil and cheered the Crispy Artichoke & Green Olive ($12) pie.

The Fall Vegetable Pot Pie ($17) was good, with sweet root vegetables draped under a thin pastry incorporating thyme and dusted with sea salt and the East Side Burger ($14) comprised of mushrooms and seitan between black-sesame-seed buns was awfully tasty, particularly when paired with pickled onions and cheddar cheese ($3 extra).

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake ($10) with tangy candied cranberry sauce was sensational-all achieved without the use of butter!

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105 First Ave btwn Sixth/Seventh Sts
New York, NY
United States