First an update on Ziggy Jr our goldfish. He’s dead! Pretty sure he took his own life after watching the 100th episode of Full House which my kids are now obsessed with since discovering it a few months ago. Half of our DVR is filled with the stuff. But lets move on to one of the best meals of the year…
Minetta Tavern is very unique in that it can be included in more than one or even 2 “Best Of” lists. Best Steakhouse, Best Burger (Black Label Burger), Best Steak (Cote de Beauf), Best French bistro, and even Best restaurant in its class.
MT is located on the somewhat “divey” MacDougal street, and has a sort of unassuming exterior. But as soon as you go in and open the red curtains you are transported somewhere else. 1930’s perhaps? The place is not big and is packed. The bar area is packed and they sit you almost like they sit you at a family reunion. Except you sitting next to an Armenian cousin you didn’t know existed.
***Customary horrible pictures with iphone excuse****
I was reading on Chowhound about Minetta not allowing taking pictures so the first few shots were taken with no flash. Here’s the rundown…
Pasta Za Za – Very good. I have a weakness for fresh pasta with egg. They split the dish and put one egg on each. Although we enjoyed it, not nearly as good as Herbsaint’s version in New Orleans
Bone Marrow – This was just ok for us. Less so for the wife. What saved the dish for me was the shallots with port – so delicious. The baguettes were so buttery almost to the point of inedible.
Black Label burger – Met the high expectations. The juiciest most flavorful burger that I can remember. 50% of it is 48 day dry aged prime rib eye with the other 50% a combination of brisket, rib and other goodies. The fries were just ok for me however – not sure what the hoopla was. 
They were barely seasoned and the aioli didnt save them for me. But the burger was insane.
NY Strip – Excellent! We ordered medium and it came medium-rare as expected. Great, nicely seasoned crust and a very flavorful piece overall (28 day dry aged). But the next day we were talking about the burger.
Chocolate Soufflé – AMAZING!! So rich and yummy
In short, this meal made a mark. One of the most enjoyable meals of the year. With drinks and tax $260 for the 2 of us. Would definitely order the pasta, burger and soufflé again and perhaps go for the massive Cote de Beauf when we go with more people.
Eating With Ziggy 