As the Foodie Magician, my signature trick is guessing people's favorite restaurants. I absolutely love it when people think of restaurants I have not heard of, because then the trick becomes a future culinary adventure for me. A few weeks ago, I did this feat of mind-reading to two different people at two different events, and the restaurant Paprika came up. Paprika is a casual Italian joint on St. Marks Place, in the East Village. I had never heard of the place until I read these people's minds, and I knew I had to eat there. And that I did!

I'm a new resident of the East Village, and it is a dream come true. The culinary scene is astounding down here. I could see why Paprika would be some people's favorite restaurant. It's casual, laid back, rustic-chic, and down right great. A true gem of a place.

A special antipasto of meats and cheeses was fabulous. Silky meats and some unique cheeses, at first I thought it might be a tad boring, but it wasn't. It was perfect.

A black kale salad ($10), with pickled red onions and almonds was outstanding. Kale is huge on the NYC restaurant scene now, and this was one of the best I've had. The pickled onion added a great acidity to the kale, the almonds a wonderful crunch. Order it.

Handmade Pappardelle with Braised Oxtail Ragu ($16) was delicious. That oxtail ragu pitch-perfect.

Pizzoccheri Valtellinesi, Buckwheat Tagliatelle, Savoy Cabbage, Casera Cheese, Potatoes and Garlic ($16), was a unique pasta dish that my dining companion and myself really enjoyed. A touch of Alsace in the East Village. Our stomachs were happy.

Paprika is what the East Village dining scene is all about. Great food, with a casual and cool vibe. Grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax, have some great bites, and enjoy life. It's good to read minds.

Paprika
110 St. Marks Place (bet. 1st and A)
New York, NY 10009
212-677-6563