211917 Thu Jul 08 12:44:38 -0700 2004 4 18 Manhattan 0 1127605 Has anyone tried the new raw foods restaurant called Pure Food and Wine at Irving Place near Union Square? Thu Jul 08 12:44:38 -0700 2004 0 DeeDee 1 1127618 Not to take over the post, but if you've been to someplace like Quintessence, can you compare the two? I personally like Quintessence a lot. Thu Jul 08 13:15:02 -0700 2004 1127605 0 Jane P. 2 1127727 pure food and wine is way better than quintessence. in another league altogether. Thu Jul 08 17:54:27 -0700 2004 1127618 0 greenthumb 1 1127633 I have not eaten there, but Frank Bruni, the new "NY Times" restaurant critic, described his experience(s) in a Diner's Journal. I've linked to it below. The one thing I can say is that Pure Food is in the space formerly occupied by Verbena, and so they have one of the loveliest back gardens in the city. Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/02/dining/02JOUR.html Thu Jul 08 13:37:54 -0700 2004 1127605 0 RGR 1 1127643 A quick search turns up the link below. I had a very good meal there. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/211530#1125537 Thu Jul 08 13:59:50 -0700 2004 1127605 0 brooklynmonkey