Cauldron

Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: A & E

Media Credit: Ben Felleman T'afia

Being a college student has certain financial drawbacks. It is rare that students have the disposable income to visit four-star restaurants or pricey lounges. However, the smart and savvy college consumer can enjoy the city's finest by taking advantage of the three- to four-hour weekday phenomenon known as happy hour.

T'afia, Zake Japanese Cuisine and Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant and Bar are all swanky yet affordable (during the work week only) and offer an opportunity to get dressed up and sample the good life.

Patrons who visit chef Monica Pope's latest venture, T'afia, Tuesday-Thursday nights will enjoy free appetizers from the restaurant's "lounge" menu with the purchase of one of the swanky lounge's creative cocktails. The drinks are not inexpensive, running anywhere from $7-11, but they are well worth the price. One warning: dining etiquette generally requires that patrons tip as though they had paid full price for the food, but even 20 percent of $100 is a small price to pay for an outstanding dinner for five people. Expect to pay approximately $20 per person for two drinks each and all the food you can eat.

The house drink specialties, called "ratafias," are a blend of white wine, vodka, vanilla beans, sugar and organic produce from the on-site farmer's market and are a safe bet for sangria fans. The "West Indian Ratafia Punch," made with pineapple and rum, is one of the menu's more expensive (and stronger) mixed drinks and is a more adventurous suggestion. Other good choices are the "Blo-jito," basically a blood-orange-flavored, vodka-based mojito, and the "Come to Daddy," which is fruity and fun to attempt ordering without giggling. For those under 21, equally innovative "mocktails" are a delicious and less-expensive alternative. Just be sure to bring an of-age friend because appetizers are only complimentary in conjunction with alcoholic beverages.

And you will want to be dining as the food is almost more enticing than the drinks. Feel free to sample everything on the menu, as the edibles are unlimited. The mini-burgers are delicious and the chickpea fries are addictive. The sushi has an unexpected but delightful crunch, and the pimento macaroni and cheese brings a touch of class to an old favorite.

Low lighting, sleek tables and booths and eclectic music give T'afia an industrial, trendy atmosphere perfect for a girls' night out or a weeknight date.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools