An old cellar has been turned into a cozy drinking den by chef Marc Forgione.

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In the Nolita neighborhood of New York, Peasant served rustic Italian food that differed from the red sauce fare in Little Italy for more than two decades. DeCarlo decided to retire in 2019 after his lease expired, announcing he would close the restaurant. Marc Forgione took over when his lease expired.

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He agreed to take over Peasant and maintain the rustic cooking that made it so beloved after the owner of an eponymous restaurant and American Cut had a great deal of love for Peasant. After debuting his Peasant in 2020, Forgione is rolling out a new chapter for the restaurant. In the old wine storage cellar, he has converted it into Peasant Wine Bar, which celebrates Italian wine.

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With by-the-glass selections from all 20 wine regions of the country and some lesser-known indigenous varieties, the wine bar will highlight some of the country's best wines. Pecorino from Abruzzo, Pigato from Liguria, Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, Fianio di Avellino from Campania and more will be on hand. The long list, which will include vintage selections, will be curated by Scott Woltz, beverage director for Forge Hospitality.

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The chef will create a menu that emphasizes charcuterie, wood-fired dishes and breads at Peasant next door. He will also utilize the restaurant's name with his interpretation of Italian peasant cuts. Offal is the focus of the small “Quinto Quarto” menu, which includes pig's head with fennel pickles, tripe with pecorino and mint, and tongue with horseradish and apple salsa verde.

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There will be antipasti, primi and secondi on the full menu. There will be oxtail with bone marrow and mostarda, prosciutto with olives and breadsticks, and baby octopus with hot chili and breadcrumbs on the antipasti. A lobster fria diavolo, a rostisserie lamb ragu, and gnocchi alla Romana will be served on the primi. Suckling pig with kabocha, romanesco, and salsa verde are among the hearth-fired dishes in the secondi.

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The Peasant Wine Bar opened yesterday at 5pm and will be open Monday through Saturday.

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If you're looking for a unique dining experience in New York City, head to Peasant Wine Bar. This cozy, rustic spot in Nolita offers a taste of old-world Italy with its wood-fired cooking and impressive selection of Italian wines. The kitchen, helmed by chef Frank DeCarlo, specializes in hearty, flavorful dishes that are cooked over an open flame. From perfectly charred steaks to roasted vegetables and pizzas, the wood-fired cooking method adds a smoky depth of flavor that can't be replicated with any other technique.

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Of course, the food is only half the experience at Peasant Wine Bar. As the name suggests, this spot is also a wine lover's paradise. With a focus on Italian varietals, the wine list offers a range of reds, whites, and roses from all over Italy. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or just looking to try something new, the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bottle to pair with your meal. And if you're not in the mood for wine, Peasant Wine Bar also has a small selection of craft beers and cocktails to choose from. All in all, Peasant Wine Bar is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves great food, great wine, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.