[Kalina, 2/28/07.]
In the category of sleek tapas this is Mercat, just opened (but do call ahead, as it's not Open open) on Bond Street. The NoHo Catalan joint is on two levels -- and open kitchen/dining room done up in wood and steel on the main floor and a "tapas lounge" in the basement -- and is endeavoring to serve authentic Spanish food and drink throughout. In a very NY-savvy move, the fare is wide-ranging, including both default items such as patatas bravas and also more exciting selections, like fideua negra (noodles with cuttlefish, cooked with its own ink). The whole shebang is owned by Jamie Reixach; chefs are Ryan Lowder and David Seigal, who have notable credits in both NY (Jean-Georges, Bouley, Café Gray, Casa Mono) and Spain (Martin Berasategui, Raco D’en Freixa); GM is Arik Torren of Bradley/Abrams fame.
