Dear Food Diary:
The 50th New York Film Festival starts late September and while we feast with our eyes, we must never forget our tummies.

Indie food and wine is perfect for a nice quick or not so quick bite before or after a movie at the Film Society Lincoln Center or any show in Lincoln Center. It’s literally underneath the fancy Lincoln Ristorante – though not related in any way. On the contrary, Indie offers affordable entree options and wine by the glass. Casual and pretty chill, quick but not fast food by any means.

It’s a great addition to the neighborhood. Though small, the size makes it cozy and quite warm, friendly and inviting. Great to meet up with friends. Casual and nice for a first date too.

The menu offers cheese and salumi plates that are perfect with a glass of wine. Small plate, sandwiches, salads and my personal favorite Cafe Plates ($13): main protein with a side or salad.
I’ve been back enough, that I’ve tried all of them:

Braised beef short-rib with pickled-horseradish, creme fraiche and a side of butternut squash, hazelnut and thyme
Really tender, you barely need a knife. Subtle flavors. The creme fraiche helps with making it moist. I love the hazelnut with the squash. Makes it sweet and nutty while the thyme brightens it with its lemon like quality.

Milk braised pork belly with jalepeno mustard and a side of braised brussels sprouts, pancetta & oregano
The melt in your mouth pork belly gets a nice contrast from the mustard, it helps cut the fat immensely. But I find the brussels sprouts a bit too soft, I prefer that ever so slight crunch. I love the pancetta of course.

Duck leg confit with fig jam and bitter green goddess salad (frisee, endive, radicchio, arugula, anchovy-herb dressing)
Also very tender. The skin could be crisper, but this does the job for $13! I’ve been on an anchovy craze for a while now, so anything with anchovy gets a thumbs up from me. The salad is fresh and crisp. I personally find fig jam better on a piece of country bread, but that’s just me.

Buttermilk poached organic chicken with sage pumpkin seed pesto with a side of butternut squash, hazelnut and thyme
Yes, I loved the butternut squash so much that I’ve ordered it several times. The chicken was ok, the pesto helped a lot, giving it flavor and moisture! Though pumpkin seeds are great, I do miss that fragrance pine nuts release.

They have a dinner and a movie deal for $25

If you’re in the mood for a good indie movie, indie food & wine is a great choice.

They are pretty accommodating if you’re in a rush for a show, which is a plus! Just because I’m in a hurray doesn’t mean I have to eat any fast food.

P.S. Chubby’s Rating: 

www.indiefoodandwine.com
144 West 65th Street
212.875.5256