Here's a stunning bar and trattoria with Old World bronze-trimmed elegance that outclasses its East Village location. It's the work of the Church Group, which creates themed bars, several in the same neighborhood. Nearby, the group's Kingston Hall is Jamaican, Shoolbred's is as Scottish as its hot toddies, and Ninth Ward, which is closed temporarily, showcases the food and drink of New Orleans. (The group has opened another Ninth Ward in London.)

Nic Ratner and Robert Morgan, a former Hollywood agent, are the partners. At the new Italian venture, a menu of small plates like crostini, panini, burrata, a chicken parm sandwich and meatballs is expanded for weekend brunch with the addition of egg dishes, a burger and French toast. The drinks — wine based, not spirits — are Italian-accented, with cocktails including a Bellini and a creditable Bloody Mary made with sake: 131 Avenue A (St. Marks Place), 646-275-0461, bacievendetta.com.

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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/