matilda & alphabet city

This weekend I had a re-discovery of alphabet city! Firstly, I went to a cute Italian/Mexican restaurant called Matilda on E 11th St. between Ave B and C. The owners are a couple (wife is Tuscan and husband is Mexican) and they named their restaurant after their half and half daughter. The food is an interesting mix of both cuisines - quesadilla with prosciutto and mozarella...guacamole with chips and focaccia...mojito of prosecco and tequila and fresh fruits...and such. And the decor is this spunky little space with Italian and Spanish words written across the space in tiles. A definite recommendation.
As I walked to and from the restaurant, all I can notice are these adorable brownstones mixed with new modern buildings. And the ground level is filled with little bars and shops and boutiques that each have their own unique look - that creates a great neighborhood feel all together. As someone who misses living in Brooklyn (but still visits!), the revamped and developing alphabet city is a a great sister neighborhood. So take that L train or F train and walk your way around and discover some new favorites for yourself =)....