Food at the ultra private Soho House may be off limits to the public, but you can now sample its menu. The former Meatpacking members-only-clubhouse chef Fabio Bano brings his culinary skills across town, losing the pretentious-venue vibe, and showcasing his artisan cooking skills at Cellar 58. Named after its trendy 58 Second Avenue locale, the cozy, low-, tin-ceilinged, exposed brick “Italian tapas” wine bar is an East Village favorite. The railroad-style multiroom bistro seats 80-plus guests from its marble bar tables upfront, to its low-slung Moroccan-pillowed banquettes midway, to its mahogany bar, or out back in its private wine cellar dining room. \r
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Neighbors and worldly wine connoisseurs mingle nightly with hipster denizens and foodie flocking, thanks to nearby DBGB, Peels and Pulino’s—all backed by serious resto big wigs. But neighborhood deal seekers can nosh on Cellar 58’s daily happy hour specials from 4pm-7pm, including $8 gourmet tramezzinis (panini) like the crispy, greasy and delicious mushroom pate with truffle oil, paired with $5 sangria, beer or select wines. \r
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Parties can listen to smooth DJs while choosing from 100-plus bottles of globally imported wines, paired with items like homemade delicate veal meatballs, skirt steak, pappardelle or fresh oysters. Save room for artisanal sorbetto or treats like sour cherry gelato imported from Italy and panna cotta served with local berry puree. Cellar 58 is open nightly, serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. \r
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