Counter

Counter is a restaurant of contradictions.  It serves upscale vegetarian food that’s fine-dining in presentation, yet it retains an accessible, friendly, and sometimes humorous vibe.  The restaurant is candle-lit and romantic, yet it’s also urban and modern, with its exposed white brick walls and bright art work.  The wait-staff is extremely friendly and attentive, almost to the point of making you feel guilty.  My favorite part of the meal was the bread served before our dishes arrived – not because my meal lacking – but because the bread was so amazing.  It was fresh and warm from the oven and tasted almost like a foccacia, and was served with a fantastic tofu garlic dip.  The drinks were similarly wonderful; be sure to order (or at least browse) the drink menu.  The playful cocktails such as “tie me to the bed post”, “married in a fever”, “not tonight dear”, and the naughtier “deep throat” and “XXX” not only make for fun trashy reading, they’re also really good.  For the food – I recommend the cauliflower risotto – crisply sage polenta, translucent Shitake and an emulsion of baby arugula – and the Italian farmhouse panini – walnut lentil pate, plum tomato, and rosemary aioli – on a crunch Italian ciabatta.  Counter changes its menu and introduces new dishes frequently, so be sure to ask the waiter for new recommendations.