(I was invited as a guest to this establishment. All opinions in this review are my own.) 

I was recently invited to media event at Whitman & Bloom in Murray Hill, which is the new homey yet hip neighborhood tavern in town.

 Offering a rustic menu which encourages sharing, the food here is locally sourced and seasonally inspired. They also offer a full bar with knockout cocktails, beers on tap and wines.

The décor at Whitman & Bloom is an ode to author James Joyce and his peers and all that inspired him. One sees artfully placed books and words interspersed with antiques all over the bar. This bi-level spot has a speakeasy in the basement with live piano music and the comfort of cozy booths.

The owners could not be nicer or more passionate about their vision for Whitman & Bloom. They aspire to create a neighborhood place that everyone wants to go to for good food, warm company and something feels like an extension of their own home. At Whitman & Bloom, I think they have managed to create just that.

Here is some of what we ate and drank: