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It's a strange world we live in. Two of the hottest restaurant categories right now are chains with ordinary food but extravagantly expensive premises and locally owned eateries with unique cooking in minimal circumstances. Both types are packed all the time.
The Italian Barrel is a good example of the latter.
Why it's essential
Something about this tiny, quirky cafe makes many fast friends. Most nights the place is fully engaged by people who are clearly enthralled to be there. They are quick to tell you how different -- and, it's understood how superior -- the food is compared to other Italian restaurants.
However, unless you have limited your Italian dining to Venezia or Tony Angello's, you will not find a lot of new ground broken here.
Why it's good
The Italian Barrel claims to purvey Northern Italian food, something...