the strong buzz, by andrea strong

“AOC Bedford”

March 1, 2003
Located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the West Village, AOC Bedford is a stylish yet rustic retreat that welcomes you in with its exposed brick walls and wood-beamed ceilings. The restaurant derives its name from the term appellation d’origine contrôlée, the official French designation for food products of the highest quality. The menu is not exclusively French though. In fact, much of it has a Spanish flare, like the house specialty of suckling pig, served Iberian style, with the bone-in and a pile of dates, and the grand paella, stocked with cockles, clams, shrimp and squid, all ingredients that shine easily. If you are not up for a complete dinner at a table, AOC Bedford is also a good place to grab a bite at the bar. Then you might want to head over to 'ino across the street for more tasty snacks.

AOC Bedford, 14 Bedford St., b/w Houston and Downing, 212-414-4764.

REPRINTED FROM MY REVIEW IN THE MOBIL TRAVEL GUIDE

Andrea Strong