WTN: Wines at Graffiti

I had to meet and greet at a fundraiser Sunday, then caught a train to city to meet Betsy, who had driven to a ziker in East Village after matinee opera. We met, and went to Graffiti on East 10th,where we had been given a gift certificate. Some concern re space for cello (can't be left in car), but they squeezed it in a corner, then squeezed us in. Tiny tiny place, with people sharing tiny communal tables. Tight, but food was very good. My favorites were the green mango paneer and the skate with mint yogurt, followed closely by chili pork dumplings. The duck portobello gratinee ws good, but a little too heavily spiced (mustard/horseradish). and the chicken flatbread was a little dull compared to other dishes, but good food overall. Betsy enjoyed the hazelnut chocolate caviar (rice I think) cupcake with chocolate chip ice cream. All wines are $8/glass or $25/bottle, we sampled 3

2004 Pico Del Sole Cannonau
Warm, round, herby, maybe not exciting but pleasing. B

2007 Chateau Laulerie Bergerac
Grassy, more Sauvignon than Semillon. A bit thin. B-

2008 Fritsch Gruner Veltliner
Hint of sweetness, citrus and sweet pea, good food match. B-/B

Fun place, though the tight spaces are a challenge.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency. 

Sounds like our kind of place Dale. Thanks. It's on our "to do" radar now.

Ramon, if I understand our tablemates correctly, chef (recent contestant on "Next Iron Chef" I'm told) opened another place recently (Soho?). Graffiti was fun, but when I say small I mean it. tables are maybe yard square, with bar stools (2 to a side, though I think they never have 8 at a table)), and tables are close together. Makes LaSirene look spacious. Initially wanted to put Betsy's cello downstairs, but when we decided to leave they found a space, but it's the smallest space I've ever been in city. Heavily NYU meets E. Village hipster. But food is good and quite different, staff has great attitude. Wines aren't exciting, but ok/interesting for the price. Glasses are inexpensive "O" knockoffs (thank God, a stem wouldn't make it through the night)

Thanks Dale. I already googled it and saw that the chef was one of Next Iron Chef chosen ones, and albeit not ones of the last remaining ones (remaining ones also from NY - Canora and Forgione, both very good ones), this one looks very appealing. In spite of cramped place, it's a pleasant 25-minute walk from our home and with that appealing menu, we don't mind rubbing elbows with NYU crowd.