New York was close to making the final cut for inclusion within that charming fraternity known as New England. Of course, a few factors hampered our admission: besides existing a few yards south of the crucial geographical cut-off point, our natives have the staggering advantage of being able to stroll the streets in January without losing all major vital signs (well, almost).
Still, I can’t deny that when the urge to curl up beside a fireplace swathed in garland and holly kicks in, New England takes the lead over all other regions in my sappy mind's eye. I curb the urge to haul my self aboard the next Amtrak bound for Stamford by heading instead to the most homey and sweet dining experience in downtown New York —- Ye Waverly Inn.
Located in the romantic back quarters of the West Village, Ye Waverly Inn is the kind of restaurant that has relied on intimate word-of-mouth revelation, rather than media overexposure, to gain a devoted, unpretentious following. It seems to work well for them -— they’ve been in business since the 1840s and show no sign of slowing down.
Originally an inn and pub for weary travelers, the rustic dining rooms have retained a cozy old-world ambiance with low ceilings, dark-wood booths and tables, and three working fireplaces. Edna St. Vincent Millay, along with fellow fashionable dames of her day, dined in these quarters, and Robert Frost composed poetry in their cobblestoned garden. I hope they were lucky enough to visit the charming townhouse during the holiday season. Right before Thanksgiving, the folks at Ye Waverly Inn erect a beautiful Christmas tree in the corner of the dining room. Antique mirrors are dressed in white lights and garland and rich bouquets of russet and gold leaves glimmer beside long stem candles on the fireplace mantle.
Executive Chef Patrick A. Haynes creates sophisticated comfort food that harmonizes perfectly with Ye Waverly Inn’s homey feel. Butternut Squash Soup is velvety smooth, and the Wild Mushroom Ravioli in Pumpkin Cream Sauce is perfect for a cold New York night. Other favorites include Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Oxtail Stew with Rice, and Seared Tuna Tartare (and yes, I’ve actually tried all of these!)
And in case you aren’t ready to go home straight after your meal, Ye Waverly Inn’s adjacent bar area is a cozy and quiet spot to linger over an after-dinner glass or wine or port. Happy holidays!