Things that you eat with your hands

Those are what I found in common while trying out these new and great places; both located at the Lower East Side.
Gaia Italian Cafe
A small and very cozy place. Only four tables accompanied by magazines and rustic decor. The cafe is named after the owner and it is said she makes every dish when she's around. So I'm going to assume she made my deliciously grilled chicken panini with a pesto spread and other great things. I noticed other people ordering the cooked bowls of goodness so will try it next time I'm around.

Their latte was also really good. Also note that it was iced and still very strong. I heard Gaia say to someone that their coffee is made only from Illy and it is the best.

Little Muenster

After some time, I went to get artisan grilled cheese sandwiches at Little Muenster! Muenster is a kind of cheese. Also a small place and had occasional mouse-related decor (like the small mouse door on the wall!). This was grilled cheese taken to another level. I had Gruyere, Chevre, leek confit, pancetta (ham) all melted and combined onto two slices of sourdough bread. It was too salty; pancetta was too much. It comes on a wooden tray with chips and I added a tomato soup (creamy goodness).
Little Meunster is pricy for grilled cheese sandwiches, but can be a once in awhile guilty pleasure....