Oh…Desnuda…I’m lusting after you…

As if you’re entering a bordello…the decor is sultry, sensual, intoxicating…intimate and small…oh yes, very small.

But behind the bar another story unfolds as this is no ordinary restaurant.  There is no kitchen, just a popcorn popper, a hot plate, small fridge, toaster oven and microwave scattered throughout the work space.  Oh and the bong.

Chef Christian Zammas reminds me of a street artist.  He brings his performance art up close and personal for his audience.

the master (chef zammas) at desnuda in the east village

Right at the bar he prepares his bong with some kind of tea leaves and peppercorns, lights it on fire and then catches the smoke in small glasses and seals it over each individual raw oyster.  While waiting a minute for the smoke to permeate the oyster…popcorn, direct from the popcorn popper, appears.   Not just any popcorn.  This is popcorn drizzled in truffle oil.  Yes, you read it right.  Drizzled in truffle oil.  You lift the glass, inhale as the small stream of smoke is released and then slurp the oyster down.

Simple instructions: Inhale, shoot and enjoy.

Yes, popcorn drizzled in truffle oil.  I’m still lusting over it…

This tiny cevicheria located in the East Village will entice you, seduce you and make you want more.  So many ceviche dishes to come back and try…and it doesn’t hurt to have Butter Lane cupcakes on the same street especially when boxes of cupcakes are given out as they closed their doors for the night!

Then there was a stop a few blocks over at Via della Pace….but that’s a gastronomic story for another day…