Falai impresses with cultured cuisine and hip vibe

Falai is located on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side.

"I can't believe you've never explored Clinton Street," said Lorie as we were walking through the Lower East Side. She went on to extol the virtues of a particular few blocks of the street, nestled between Rivington and Houston. So the three of us -- my best friend, my boyfriend, and I -- made a left onto Clinton and into the doors of Falai.

The lighting is warm and low as I step through the doors, gawking at the raised table in the front with two diners on display for all of the pedestrian traffic to see. Opposite the observation gallery is a wine room that is also glassed-in and set on the other side of the entrance. The restaurant reminds me of a pharmacy -- the ones from old movies about the 1950s that sold everything and had a soda fountain behind the counter.

The menu is nouveau italian, with a tasting menu slash prix fixe option beckoning from the first page. There are two choices for each course, which takes the fun out of a proper tasting menu (I like to be surprised). We decide to order à la carte, and I am not let down by my choices. The tarragon risotto with clams was exciting and fun to share, and my entree of rabbit many ways was savory and cooked perfectly. Also ordered at our table was muscovy duck breast and lamb -- Lorie loved her duck, and Matt said that it was the best lamb he had ever tasted. Quite a compliment coming from such a connoisseur. Everything went well with a mid-range bottle of Pinot Grigio, which was refreshing on a warmer than usual September evening.

Falai has everything you need for a night you never want to let end -- delicious food, an extensive wine list, and a chic meeting place. There is a garden out back for nights when the air isn't too chilly. I would recommend Falai to anyone looking for a relaxing night out on Clinton Street, my new favorite street in the Lower East Side.