Tarot-card images of the Hanged Man and the Star—representing risky ventures and tenuous hope, respectively—hang over the bar at Boom. However, this wine bar-restaurant defies its own prognostications by having thrived for over sixteen years in a neighborhood that’s notoriously unforgiving of aging beauties. The venue has evolved gracefully from a destination for slinky singles into a warm but sophisticated space that can accommodate everyone and attract a fresh crop of angular Soho lovelies as the evening wears on. The original Owners were the New York Promoter Rocco Ancarola, the entrepreneur Cesare Bruni and chef Geoffrey Murray. Now after all those years the Italian fare is still very satisfying, if not transcendent: the bruschetta with shrimp and avocado appetizer puts a tasty twist on tradition while the lobster ravioli in pink sauce sticks to tried-and-true. The introduction of small plated, formaggi and salumi was a smart change The wine list is extensive but not daunting, with a magnum section offering big-bucks bottles for flashy spenders. The restaurant's front wall opens on balmy days which can be particularly lovely during Boom's daily brunch hours.
