the Mint
theMOOD The West Coast meets Soho in this postmodern playground of gustatory pleasures and lively design. Boasting eye-popping colors, retro-chic furnishings and fabulous ‘50s terrazzo floors, The Mint pays architectural homage to the building’s previous bank persona: An office door was repurposed as a communal table, the vault, outfitting with multi-colored LED lighting, now cellars wine, and the drive-through teller portico has morphed into an al fresco lounge.
theDISH Chef/owner Domenic Lombardo, aka Chef Mimmo, defines his artfully eclectic cuisine as “contemporary comfort food.” Inventive interpretations of classic recipes – familiar tastes that people crave – range from lobster-laced Truffled Mac & Cheese to a Pork Belly “BLT” embellished with tomato confit and bacon aioli. From vegan-friendly fare to upscale seafood and steak entrees, every dish sports an imaginative twist. Orders can also be customized with “insider lingo”: e.g., a “heart-attack style” burger arrives with double patties, pork belly and a fried egg.
theGLASS Beer aficionados have plenty to love with 127 bottled varieties and 12 rotating American craft brews on tap. The wine list is concise and accessible, and cocktails are infused with intriguing tastes, such as the rosemary-and-cucumber tinged Viceroy. “Its’ all about flavor,” says Chef Mimmo. “We treat drinks the same way as food and are always experimenting.”
theINSIDE SCOOP Reinventing the traditional happy hour, “Bite The Mint” offers a fresh take on late night eating and imbibing as lights are lowered and the bar eases into a lounge-y groove. Along with discounted martinis and draft beers, a $7 flat-fee menu rolls out after 10 p.m.
