Bacaro is a word in the Venetian dialect for a meeting place. It is also the name of a funky winebar and restaurant on the Lower Est Side in Manhattan. The wines are offered by the Ombra or shadow in Italian which translates into a 3 oz pour, al bicchiere (6 oz pour) and by the caraffa or half bottle. A long and eclectic list of wines from Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Lombardia, Trentino, Alto Adige and Piemonte are offered both by the glass and by the bottle. My favorites are the Nosiola from Trentino producer Cesconi, Colpo di Stato from Conte Loredan Gasparini, Cantina di Venegazzu and a host of wines by the producer Maculan from the Veneto.
The panna cotta, was perhaps the best ever eaten in New York. It was deliciously light and creamy. We had a small glass of nocino to finish off the evening. The bar and restaurant is a large space with tables upstairs and a cave-like lower floor with interesting and private nooks and crannies. Bacaro is a destination for the art crowd thanks in part to the museum in the Bowery and the 10 or more galleries that have popped up nearby.
The Venetian theme is carried on throughout their decor and in their products, from the water to the caffe. Bacaro is definitely worth the wait.
