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The East Village is rife with vegan options, but Counter is one of the most appealing, a bistro with real flair and a fully developed concept. The half-moon wine-and-martini bar features an interesting list from biodynamic, sustainable vineyards. The creative cocktail menu focuses on organic spirits, with sexy names like the Cosmic Striptease and Tie Me to the Bedpost. Proprietor Deborah Gavito has even gone so far as planting a garden on the rooftop of her nearby tenement building, which supplies the kitchen with ultra-fresh ingredients. The menu is seasonal and includes such treats as corn beignets with rémoulade sauce, Provençal vegetable stew and wild mushroom ravioli with fava beans. The space is dimly lit and romantic, a place where carnivores won't miss meat for a few hours.