The culinary genius Wylie Dufresne has just opened a new spot in the East Village called Alder. A great place to drop in for a drink or a quick bite, or come with friends and linger on creative and unique fare, paired with superb cocktails, a wine, or sake.

I dropped in last week and had some tasty and ingenious bites that left me craving more. I felt giddy throughout my meal, knowing that this place is near my apartment. The place is casual and fun, and pretty amazing.

Caesar Nigiri ($15), romaine, egg yolk, and parmesan, are awesome little bites. Caesar salad in bite form? Yes, please.

New England Clam Chowder ($15) with "oyster crackers" was true perfection. The flavor was pitch perfect. But, what blew my mind was these homemade "oyster crackers". This ain't those Saltine crackers we are all used to, but actually dehydrated oyster. I loved these crackers so much, I want Alder to package these babies, so I can take them home with me. Truly an elevated concept. Wow.

One dish that blew my mind at Alder is their Rye Pasta ($18) with shaved pastrami. This is typical Wylie Dufresne magic. Think a pastrami sandwich in pasta form. Pure Genius. Amazingness. Magical. In fact, don't think about it, go to Alder immediately and try if for yourself.

Fried Quail ($20) comes with banana curry, chinese broccoli, and pickled tumeric. A flavor profile and combination I have never encountered in my life. Unique and original. Did I love the dish? Maybe not. Did I love the experience of the adventure of flavors? Absolutely.

Do not skip dessert at Alder. More genius comes at the end of the meal too. My Root Beer Pudding ($8) came with root beer candy and smoked cashews, and is truly wonderful. Awesomeness.

Alder is Awesome. Period. I call it "accessible ingenuity". This type of food is usually served on tasting menus, for high prices, but at Alder, no dish is more than $23. This is amazing. The mission of Alder is to "serve delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week." Well, I shall be returning week after week. Magical culinary adventures await.

Alder

157 Second Ave (bet. 9th and 10th)

New York, NY 10003

212-539-1900