On a quiet corner of the West Village, Recette's windows glow warmly on a winter's night, drawing us in like tourists to Magnolia Bakery. Recette is an easeful place, with a short bar near the open kitchen and a dozen or so tables slotted into the small room—the very picture of a neighborhood restaurant. Snag a good table overlooking the street, and watch people trotting home from work, leaning against winds off the Hudson, or taking delighted dogs outside to pee. Your fellow eaters, some seated close enough for excellent eavesdropping, are generally youngish, good-looking types who talk a bit louder after their second... More >>>