(Photo: Jeremy Liebman)

Arium
31 Little W. 12th St., nr. Washington St. 212-463-8630
It’s hard to tell exactly what lurks behind the demure façade of Arium in the meatpacking district. A gallery? A café? A hair salon? All of the above, actually (with conveniently separate entrances). The café aims to be a salon of sorts as well, with art exhibits and weekly recitals. But the main attraction, culinarily speaking, is chef Richard Guier’s refined lunch- and tea-time fare, including dishes like spicy chicken posole and a full roster of tea sandwiches and scones.

Related:

• Archive: “Restaurant Openings & Buzz”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: February 27, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!