CP NEWS: Sweet n’ Low-key

[ddm-news]

-Naomi Baria

The edges of MePa’s oversaturated sponge get a little soggier with the arrival of Honey, which just finished a month of soft openings and tastings. On the spectrum of nearby 14th St fare, this resto-lounge sits comfortably between the pomp of Plumm and the college-age shenanigans of pubs just a stone’s throw away.

A Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Perfectly situated, Honey serves as a crossing ground—a reconciliation space, if you will—between seemingly disparate worlds. With its sleek, syrupy-toned décor and poprock selection of music, it appeals to both scenesters and sorority alums in one fell swoop.

The venue’s owner, Matt Shendell of Cain Southampton and Shampu fame, must have had a good lesson in positioning strategy. For patrons too timid to either sweet-talk their way past Plumm’s velvet ropes or down half-a-dozen pints, they can walk over to Honey for a taste of both scenes.

Décor

No need to call the dentist. Honey dispenses a subtle dose of sweetness with its honey- and molasses-hued art, walls and banquettes. Globe lanterns give off a soft amber glow, adding a bit of intimacy to the late-night ambiance.

Sweet Sustenance

Because Honey is a transitional spot in more ways than one, the food is a big draw whether you’re pre- or post-fueling for the evening. Honey’s chef, Victor Rodriguez, hailing from Mexican favorite Dos Caminos, serves up a mean above-the-border cuisine.

Appetizers take their inspiration from classic cocktails like the salmonojito and tuna colada, while traditional Kobe beef and duck confit satisfy a hungrier appetite. Wash everything down with a crisp honey mojito before attempting to sing along to U2 or Guns n’ Roses.

Honey in the ‘Hood

With new nightspots pushing through the Meatpacking District like mold on a soggy bagel, it’s near impossible to keep track of all the stats. Honey’s second best feature is that it seamlessly fits in between scenes and functions, alienating no one and catering to almost everyone in a neighborhood where categorization is inevitable. Its first? The neighborhood, of course.

243 W. 14th st. between 7th and 8th.

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