A2 Rating Scale (out of 5):
THE DISH:
WHAT TO ORDER: Definitely a few orders of Cecina ($12 each) for the table. A cecina is a thin, plancha-grilled chickpea pancake. We ordered it with the Truffle Egg Salad and the Avocado Trapanese and no bad choices were made. If your fellow diners have lost their minds and want to skip this essential; order it anyways and eat it all yourself. Also, because ‘when in NYC’ you party hard, you’ll need to get your buzz on (and by buzz I mean coffee- come on, I’m not 21 again… even though I somehow miraculously stayed out till 4AM the night before) and the Coconut Iced Coffee ($7) hit the spot. The menu offers zero explanations, mostly just words you don’t understand, serving up a bit of mystery and surprise when your plate arrives.
WHO TO BRING: Anyone; but here on some pointers for who and what time of day. This would be a fun day date spot, but for night, nothing about this place screams sexy and “let’s get drunk and make-out in public”. It would be a blast for a girls’ dinner (great for a celebration); with pretty insta opps, fancy cocktails and pasta (no one likes a carb overload on a hot date). And for family of all ages, anytime of day it would be an amusing choice with lots to do nearby.
WHO YOU’LL SEE: All types of New Yorkers and tourists and awesome people (like Pauline and I).
WHAT TO WEAR: As someone who’s wardrobe is 70% black (where my #allblackeverything girls at?!); I’m glad I opted for a colorful and light option this sunny Sunday morning. I would have felt some serious Wednesday Adams at summer camp vibes had I gone for the usual uniform. Not to mention, totally clashed and looked like a downer in pictures.
IF YOU’RE A TOURIST – WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER: The new Whitney museum is right next door and the Gansevoort entrance to the High Line is right above, so those two activities will fill up half your day. Also, walk the High Line to Chelsea Market for more food and amazing pop-up shops and/or get lost around the best (west) village where shopping is as good as it gets. And there you go, your perfect NYC day is planned. Also a totally off topic note for the tourists: please stop taking pictures with your iPads; you look ridiculous.
WHAT TO KNOW: Reservations are accepted, but a fee of $30 a person may be charged for cancellations after noon the day of. So if you’re on-the-fence if you’re going to cancel on that guy you met while the bar was closing last weekend or you’re waiting to see if the even hotter option texts likes he said he would, just know you’re going to feel like a bitch; and for that night you are one. Sometimes you just got to think about #1 though.
EDDR LIFE LESSON: A stylish set of tableware can make any dinner party a memorable one. Invest wisely.
A2 FINAL THOUGHT: Although parts about this place are a bit confusing (you say Italian, but why is there salsa verde on the table? Am I in NYC or Miami?), Santina offers a summer vibe 365 days a year and in NYC, especially in the winter, that is just what one needs. Its ambiance exudes a type of silliness, but the bold colors and designs could make even the worst day a little brighter. Santina in one word: FUN.
NYC I miss you already,
Alex
Santina ↔ 820 Washington St., New York, NY 10014 ↔ 212-254-3000
eat.drink.dish.repeat. 
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