Marfa – Texas-Inspired Eats and Intricate Libations

If there’s one positive outcome of the economic downturn is that there are now more affordable gastronomic deals to be had. One of the newest restaurant/bars on the New York City scene is Marfa. A Texas-Inspired East Village hangout from Hayne Suthon (of Cave Canem and, perhaps, most notably of Lucky Cheng’s — the world famous Asian restaurant where drag queens serve food and offer up nightly cabarets), Marfa is located in the space that until recently housed Suthon’s ode to Hawaii, Waikiki Wally’s.

The spacious restaurant houses a long bar and happy hour deals throughout the week. The décor is inspired by a West Texas artists’ community which is perfectly complemented by noted chef Harun Shah’s (Raga, Death & Company) cuisine. Shah offers patrons a selection of Texas-inspired tapas, all of which you can eat with your fingers. Most notable I found when it came to their small eats were their delectable steak tacos which come accompanied by homemade guacamole and various salsas, along with toasted mini tortillas and their vegetarian chile which is served cold along with two slices of cornbread. Ribs are prominently featured on the Marfa menu and hearty dry rub barbecued baby back ribs that drip with Marfa’s special barbecue sauce, along with chipotle chicken wings, fish tacos, and “Shells on” spicy shrimp are just some of the other small bites offered. The small bites are the best way to sample Marfa’s cuisine — most are priced under $10 and the portions are very generous.

That said Marfa’s airy-feel and spacious setting make it great for groups. With that in mind they’ve go a Texas tapas platter designed for groups to share. Marfa appetizer platters are priced per person and range from El Cheapo (featuring four different appetizers) for $9 per person to the Big Texas Platter (featuring eight appetizers and a shot of house-infused flavored tequila), which, at $18 per person, is quite the deal. For groups of eight or more, Marfa also offers a barbecue menu, a complete package for $27 per person. The Texas-sized meal includes a choice of two sides and three appetizers from the menu and an entrée of expertly prepared barbequed ribs, shrimp, pulled pork and saucy barbecued chicken (more than enough – I had two small bites and a side of spinach when I was there last and couldn’t even finish those three items!).

However, a trip to Marfa would not be complete without sampling of this spot’s incredible cocktail list designed by Marshall Altier, a leading mixologist, well versed in both classic and modern cocktails.  Marshall has been mentored by the innovative Eben Freeman at Tailor and brings his unique concoctions to the upscale Italian restaurant Insieme.  The cocktail menu consists of reasonably priced drinks ($9-$12) – especially given their intricacy — with out-of-this-world house infused flavored tequilas (so delectable in fact that since going to Marfa a friend of mine has been inspired to infuse his own tequila).

The cocktail list stand-outs include the house Marfarita with grapefruit and Serrano chili infused tequila for an extra special kick and a perfect balance of flavors and  Lavender Daisy with lavender infused tequila, honey, fresh lime and peach bitters. They’ve also got an array of beers — Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lone Star, Tecate, and Corona and for those on a shoestring budget there’s the El Cheapo Special, a PBR with a shot of cheap liquor as a chaser.

Marfa is located in the East Village at 101 East 2nd Street, and is open for dinner Monday-Friday from 6-11PM and on weekends from 6-11:30, with the bar staying open late. For more information you can visit www.marfanyc.com.

All photos courtesy of Marfa.

May 8th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Reviews | (0)