A Small Package

Good things come in small packages, as the saying goes. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires to count a few. Or maybe they were talking about Graffiti, the recently opened hotspot by Jehangir Mehta.

Although he came from a family of accountants, he followed his passion for food at a young age, eventually studying at the Culinary Institute of America. He went on to hone his skills as a pastry chef at some of the hottest restaurants in New York including Jean-Georges, as well as Vong, Aix, and Sapa. The Bombay bred chef later created the uber delicious Partistry featuring handmade chocolates and teas.

With Graffiti the restaurant, (which by the way is the size of a Manhattan apartment) takes cues from Mehta's flair for edgy creative food and witty sense of humor. Case in point? Watermelon feta salad with mint sorbet, mustard soup, and hot chocolate sprinkled with pop rocks on the menu. Neon colored whisks serve as napkin holders and a handbag featuring a peeping tom is used to point the way to the ladies room.

Introverts be aware. The super tiny restaurant only seats 18 people and seating is communal. Which means your date just might turn into a double date after you're seated.

Menage a trois anyone?

Graffiti, 224 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10003. Tel: 212 677 0695. www.graffitinyc.com Keep posted for Mehta's upcoming book Mantra hitting shelves Spring 08.