You know what they say about size. Well, lucky for Bar Blanc, which epitomizes it, New Yorkers live by that maxim. The compact joint clothed completely in white (which makes everything appear larger, right?) is refreshingly simple with a casual- chic vibe accompanying a short seasonal menu. Start with the crispy sweetbread salad with sherry-poached cherries, watercress and lemon vinaigrette, move on to the seared black cod with wilted Arrowleaf spinach, celery root, fennel saffron sauce and salt cod brandade. And thus arrives the evolution of the bar.

Bar Blanc Information:

• Contemporary American menu. Dinner. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended.