Perl Jam

Before we begin today, allow us to pass along our condolences.

Sorry about your loss this weekend. We know how much you loved that extra hour.

We also know that if that hour were still around today, it would want you to spend your time at or near Minetta Tavern.

Let’s focus on near…

Introducing Perla, the candlelit-pasta world’s new powerhouse and Minetta Tavern’s new neighbor, opening tomorrow.

This is what happens when the best chef from Eataly/Babbo not named Batali and the guy behind Fedora (named Gabe Stulman) get together to make beautiful music. And braised-octopus antipasti.

Located directly downwind from Casa de Black Label Burger, this is where you’ll come for one of those little-neighborhood-joint-type dinners. Which in the West Village usually consists of shadow-covered maroon booths, stuffed agnolotti with roast-meat drippings and Bruce Springsteen/Bono/that blonde from Gossip Girl.

For your first go-around, it’s imperative that you focus on a few things.

A—The woman behind the gold-painted hostess stand: get on a first-name basis with her as soon as possible.

B—The Manhattan-mixing gentleman behind the long wooden bar: get on a first-name basis with him as soon as possible.

C—The large-format, flame-seared, brick-oven dinners for two: get the chicken.

We’ll assume you’re already on a first-name basis there.