Could this be the hottest table in New York today? Hmm, i guess so! 12-13 seats at the counter and a table for a party of 4, thats about it. In other words, quite small space to be in NY! The interior is minimalist, but comfortable with directly contact and service by the cooks/chefs. It is a first class seating.
Chef Matthew Lightner is the chef, with a background from Noma in Copenhagen, Mugaritz in Spain and Castagna in Portland. The food is colourful, clean, modernist techniques with a fun twist.
The menu starts with 5-6 snacks, great stuff like crisped skin of a jerusalem artichoke or savory granola coated with black sesame butter meant that the expectations in the evening increased significantly.
Peeky-Toe crab with tapioca, toasted shrimp & wild ginger gelée was wonderfully rich in sea flavors and the mild heat from the ginger. Perfect dish!
Ramen with cinnamon and basil was delicious dish with concentrated wonderful chicken bouillon and noodles of squid, big and elegant flavours.
One of the best dish this evening was the Morel boudin with pine nut gravy, juicy and tender, just fingerlicking good!
The Four Story Beef had a excellent nutty flavour which harmonized perfectly with the porcini mushroom.
The dessert of the evening was definitely the Peach with sunflower toffee which was fashioned to look like a peach pit. Beautiful and yummie presentation!
After receiving a few days to think about the dinner, I must say it’s one of my 2 -3 best meals in NY for the past few years.
It was a meal of, fresh, stylish and innovative cooking, nothing but good tasty food!! A restaurant that I will definitely visit again soon.
