Sorella

One of New York's best kept secrets is tiny Sorella (95 Allen Street) on the Lower East Side. We've dropped by a few times since it first opened almost a year ago and this cozy spot has gotten better - our first visit was a bit rocky but the issues we had seem to have been worked out. While there is a full fledged dining room in the back, we prefer to sit at the bar and nibble some of the small plates and drink lots of interesting wines, which are predominantly from Northern Italy.

Recently we dropped by and enjoyed the delicious veal sweetbreads, tajarin pasta with lamb ragu and agnolotti. But the wine list is what always gets us excited - it's clearly put together with care and is full of unusual, often excellent choices by the glass (over two dozen in all). The list is well priced - most wines by the glass are $10 - $13 and these days the pours are healthy. In the mood for sparkling, we tried the Lambrusco di Sorbara from Emilia Romagna ($10) and the sparkling Kerner from Veneto ($12). Both were very good and worked perfectly with the food.

If you're in the neighborhood, pop into the bar and try them out. If you're looking for interesting, well crafted food and adventurous wine choices, you won't be disappointed.