Pizza Chef Tanner Spees and Head Chef Andrea Vargas are headlining the Oven kitchen. Vargas' recent background includes Dean & De Luca, Noho Star and various other venerable culinary institutions throughout Soho and the West Village. Vargas, who could have chosen to work anywhere, says that she loves working at Oven. "Everyday I get to do something different. Like now, we are making olive and herb pizzas with special crusts. Any one-day may see a range of mushrooms on the menu from Portobello through to trumpet and lobster or we may see special creamy goat cheeses. It's exciting both for me and our regular customers."

Manager Deb Lineham says, "We get lots of regulars who give great compliments in emails. It's a sophisticated but laid back environment."

One such fan is hip-hop mogul Jacob Buchanan who says, "Oven is high end yet affordable and friendly. It's perfect for me and my roster of stars."

Vargas says she likes the environment and the people. "It's calm and peaceful but still just five minutes from the city."

Oven also serves appetizers and fresh daily salads. Oven restaurant takes all major credit cards and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am. It is available for private parties.

www.ovennewyork.com