Midtown West

So I Shaved and Went to Marea

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Ziggy

I Ziggy the II, bite my nails! I dont do it because I’m often nervous, gamble, or watch “The Bachelor” a lot. Its just a habit I developed as a child that never really went away. And after reading a report ~~on Twitter~~ by a reliable source that, get this, people who bite their nails tend to have a stronger immune system & rarely get sick, I’m not stopping any time soon. I may even offer to bite other people’s nails if they suffer from this fetish. I do very rarely get sick. I also have this thing where I need to lick my fingers before using a napkin, no matter who I’m eating with, and where I am. Using napkins on saucy fingers just feels very wrong. I may have been also a tiny little bit stinky before this particular meal, after a 4 hour walking tour of Hell’s Kitchen I was conducting right before the meal. Not to mention the bike run to Tribeca for Nish Nush Falafel for lunch.

So here I was…slightly stinky, tehina smelling, unmanicured fingers, on our anniversary dinner at the oil tycoon section of 2 Michelin Star Marea. Being surrounded by big glamour, and wealth I felt as comfortable as watching a Cialis commercial with the kids. But, ~~after 2 drinks~~ it didn’t take long until we settled down and enjoyed another fine meal at one of New York’s finest. By the way, I did shave for this one. I’m not an animal!

1st Course:

Crudo trio – Pretty forgettable overall. Exhibit A: I don’t remember much of it. Tried the razor clams, langoustine, and snapper. The snapper (Dentice) had the most flavor, and the Razor Clams not nearly as good as little sister Costata.

2nd Course:

Astice – I was totally wowed by this a few years ago, but not this time. This dish if you recall won a spot at the ultra coveted EatingWithZiggy Best dishes of 2012. This time I felt the supporting cast.. the basil seeds and eggplant forgot their lines and stumbled on their faces. All I was tasting was the lobster and your average burrata. Nevertheless it was still far from terrible, and a dish I recommend targeting for first timers. After the initial impression I was just expecting way too much

Octopus – (above) Outstanding! Some of the most tender, flavorful octopus I’ve ever had. Loved the accompanying smoky potatoes and the salad (onions, radish, chilies). I twitted this dish after the meal and a response from Marea followed saying this was on the menu from day one

3rd Course – Both half portions:

Agnolotti – (half portion) Stuffed with milk braised veal these pillowy ravioli simply exploded with flavor as properly made Agnolotti should. Enjoyed this one a lot even though I was disappointing by the little tiny cube thingies they call “Porcini”. We are from the amazing Porcini we had in Siena

Strozzapreti with Crab and uni – (half portion) One of their classics which they mistakenly excluded from the online menu at the time of this dinner. So if you don’t see it on the online menu, don’t believe it. Perfectly al dented, chewy “Priest Stranglers” with the Uni dominating in a very good way. The sauce seems a little different this time around than two years ago but still quite lovely

4th Course

Fusilli (full portion) – Of course I had to have this again. This is one of the most celebrated pasta dishes in town and I may have enjoyed it even more now. Generous amount of octopus, perfectly cooked Fusilli but the red sauce with the bone marrow is as addictive as red sauce can be. A joy with every scoop

Halibut – I wasnt too sure about this one. I mean its a freakin halibut (firm, mild, dries quickly), and very often for us after all those rich primis, fish just doesnt deliver much. This one did! Halibut cooked nicely, not too dry, but what made the dish was the Fregola Sarda, little bubbly Israeli couscous-like pasta. With a little pleasant heat the pasta worked very well with the mild fish.

5th Course

Aria Mascarpone – very good sponge cake with pistachio cream and an excellent robiolina (cheese) gelato. After two meals and having some of the their most popular items like the Bombolonis I still dont have a solid dessert recommendation. But, cant recommend Marea highly enough. Just make sure to shower

Marea
240 Central Park S
$$$$
Recommended Dishes: Astice, Octopus, Agnolotti, Strozzapreti, Fusilli, Halibut

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Italian in NYC, Best Seafood in NYC, food, marea, Marea NYC, Midtown West, restaurants, Travel | 2 Comments

Danji – One of a Kind

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Ziggy

I will make this one nice and quick, just like a lovely lunch at Danji in Hell’s Kitchen. Photos this time courtesy of the Iphone 5 with semi sweaty palms. Spring was cancelled this year in case you haven’t noticed, so we went from winter straight to sweaty palms

Danji, the only restaurant in the world that owns both a Michelin Star and a spot in Ziggy’s Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide. No one else can claim this ~~dubious~~ distinction. Hakkasan, the only other Michelin Star establishment in Hells Kitchen, tried but failed. Maybe next year Hakkasanians. Don’t know how Daniel and Masa alumni Hooni Kim feels about this accomplishment, but my gut tells me he probably doesnt even know. I mean seriously, how many people you know even heard of Michelin Stars! Certainly none of my Korean American friends.

Anyway, Danji is the type of place you take your sexy new coworker for lunch to introduce her to the neighborhood. I cant think of a better culinary introduction to Hell’s Kitchen, even though Danji is not located on the prettiest block (ugly industrial looking office buildings + an army of people waiting for a table at Totto staring at their phones). Reservations arent accepted for parties less than 6, but I never had any trouble getting a table for 2 and something 4 for lunch. The menu, which you will find in a drawer under your table is full of a Korean inspired fancy bar food. Mostly small plates.

After several lunches with family, friends, loved ones, here are 4 dishes that will make your taste buds go Gangnam style

Tofu W. Ginger Scallion Dressing soy vinaigrette – Creamy interior, crunchy exterior, delicious all around. One of the best tofu dishes I ever had. EWZ historians claim that this is the only recommended tofu dish on EWZ

Spicy ‘K.F.C.’ Korean Fire Chicken Wings honey, garlic, four chilies – These are simply some of the tastiest wings you will ever have in NYC. Plenty of heat, plenty of joy, and plenty of finger licking followed by Gynecologists convention like finger smelling session

Bulgogi Beef Sliders spicy pickled cucumber and scallion salsa – One of Danji’s specialties. Small and explosive

Kimchi Pork Bibim-Bop satur farm vegetables, jidori egg, and aged kimchi w. pork – My latest discovery (top picture, below mixed). Mix in all the goodies with the sauce and you got a beautiful medley of textures and flavors. Note, my vegan friend, lets call her Phoebe (because thats her name) really liked the veg version. Bring your vegan friends here.

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Korean NYC, danji, Danji NYC, food, Hells kitchen, Michelin Stars, resaturants, Travel | 3 Comments

Scenes From the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Ziggy

Warning: Some of these images may be disturbing. They may include large crowds, pictures of alcoholic beverages, tender grilled octopuses (yes, octopuses is not only acceptable but rolls off the tongue better.. try saying it a few times.. Octopuses) and ways in which we can cheat the system and walk around holding an alcoholic beverage on the streets of NY. They may also include scenes way too familiar to the average NY food festival goer including pictures of Shish Kebab, corn, and strange looking dudes sporting cats and giant beer bottles on their heads.

I’m also taking this opportunity to award the first ever ZAG award to the vendor showing excellence via most palatable eats. The ZAG (Ziggy Against Gyros) goes to Empanada Mama and their terrific Brazil and Spicy Chicken Empanadas. Congratulations guys.

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Empanada Mama, food, Hells kitchen, Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, NYC eats, restaurants, Travel | 2 Comments

As The World (of Hell’s Kitchen Bodegas) Turns

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Ziggy

Some changes to the Hell’s Kitchen Bodega scene prompts me to make quick changes to the guide.

A bodega, for those who dont know, is a Mexican deli or mini market that often serves food (tacos, burritos, etc) as well. Its sort of a NYC thing, and a good way to experience authentic Mexican in a city not exactly known for it

Hell’s Kitchen theses days is suddenly packed with all sorts of exiting Mexican in different price points. That includes some of the best bodegas in town. Unfortunately, one of my favorites Guelaguetza now appears to be closed, and I wish David and his family all the best. I already miss munching on their terrific burritos while watching Dora the Explorer with their kids. And it was the good stuff, with Diego around.

But thats no reason to cancel your holiday if you ask me. Lately I’ve been on the hunt for some good tacos (midlife crisis Stage IV) all over the area and the undisputed winner is Tehuitzingo. Their tacos are so good they are now multiplying, opening yet another Taqueria on 9th and 41st while at the same time renovating the original to look more like a Mexican disco than a bodega. Try the Al Pastor taco, roasted marinated pork.

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best bodegas in Hell's Kitchen, food, Hells kitchen, NYC, restaurants, Tehuitzingo, Travel | Leave a comment

HK Guide Update

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Ziggy

A few additions to the guide…

Dessert (about time eh?) – Kee’s Chocolates, Little Pie Company

Doner/Turkish – Adding Turco (needed some convincing) over Hansi (need more convincing but lunch deal is good)

Farm to Table – The Marshal. A solid Addition to the neighborhood

Pizza – Capizzi. A nice alternative to Don Antonio

Best HK dining that’s not actually in HK – A new category for theater goers and those who want to experience some of NY’s finest just outside the area.

Tried other candidates which fell short. Spent a lot of time at Gotham West which saw its first casualty already (Little Chef). “An exciting replacement” according to a GWM rep will be announced soon. In case you missed the recent post on Gotham, here it is. Also added links to the recent “top dishes” posts.

Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Capizzi NYC, Hells kitchen, Kee's Chocolates, Little Pie Company NYC, The Marshal NYC, Turco NYC | Leave a comment

Best Dishes in Hell’s Kitchen- Round 2

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Ziggy

Continuing the best of hell series where I feature 5 dishes from Hell’s Kitchen. Round one can be found here. Will try to make it a monthly feature pending approval from my gastroenterologist

Ratchaburi crab and pork dry noodles at Pure Thai Cookhouse (above)– The neighborhood’s dry(er) noodle offerings are intensifying as of late, but this is perhaps the original and still the one to beat. The noodles are handmade in house in the Thai shophouse-like setting (in fact originally Pure’s name was Pure Thai Shophouse until Chipotle made them change its name – long story). That dry but tender bright delicious pork, the wonderfully chewy tasty egg noodles, the sweetness of the crab, and nuttiness of the “I cant believe its not Broccoli Rabe” Yo Choy. Add some of the citrusy broth from the bottom for added flavor. Easily one of my faves, named after the Ratchaburi region in Central Thailand where one of the owners (the wife) came from. BONUS: For an app get the Ribs (below)

Chicken Shawarma at Azuri Café – I hear disturbing reports lately that Ezra from Azuri is cracking smiles at tourists. I’m not sure if it means a change in attitude, trouble with Mrs Ezra, or? This is simply not the neighborhood Ezra we know and love to hate. With that said, the falafel is still the best in the area. But you can get good falafel all over town, and lately its the Shawarma that’s winning me over. After a good amount of shaving from the turning spit, he cooks it a little longer on the griddle with secret sauce and spices. Then he stuffs the goodies in the whole wheat pita with the fresh salads in the same careful technique that made his falafel a neighborhood icon. And in true Israeli style adds some Amba sauce (Mango based condiment), pickles, and if you want… spicy “Harif” S’chug. You have to say “HaRIF” with the jewish spitting Chhhh if you want it though. The result is a glorious mess of flavors thats worth the extra Shekels.

Trenette at Mercato. There are quite a few excellent pastas at my favorite casual Italian in Hell’s Kitchen, but if I have to pick one, its the simple but addictive homemade Trenette. Almonds and garlic used liberally, tomato and basil contribute to the flavor explosion of this $12 dish (yes, a $12 pasta in NYC). Save some of the bread for this one and I dare you to leave anything on the plate

Spicy Chicken Empanada at Empanada Mama – Ok, I keep trying various empanadas and every time I go, I must order at least one Spicy Chicken to enjoy last. I especially need one good one to cool me down after the Viagra Empanada, perhaps my second favorite of the bunch but for different reasons. Hey, I don’t name them. Chunks of tender, mouthwatering chicken slowly cooked in Mama’s special picante sauce creating this super pleasant heat. Just like mama used to make! Well, its just an expression, my mom has no idea what Empanadas are?

Silan at Taboon – Vanilla ice cream with puffed rice and date honey sprinkled with caramelized pistachios and topped with shredded halva, SHREDDED HALVA! Need I say more. I probably should. But I’m tired! Laila Tov!

Stay hungry Amigos!

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Azuri Cafe, Empanada Mama, food, Hells kitchen, Pure Thai Cooknouse, restaurants, Taboon NYC, Travel, Trenette | Leave a comment

Lincoln – Orange is the New Crack

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Ziggy

I never had crack cocaine! Its a well documented fact that I was smoking cigarettes at the young age of 5 and wearing a patch 9 months later, but I never had crack cocaine nor do I have any idea how it tastes like. Does it taste like Strozzapreti made with lobster coral (egg sac)? Does it taste like lobster and scallop sausage with the look and texture of loose chicken skin? Or does it taste like sweet lobster meat gently floating in a delicate sauce with lemony hints? Is it like all of the above put together smelling like the sea as soon as it arrives? If the answer is yes to any of the above, where do I sign up?

Is it too early to name the dish of the year? Probably. But a few more like this bright Strozzapreti (most likely named after someone envisioned a pasta shape while witnessing a priest being strangled) this year and I will be a very happy Ziggy. The chicken skin-like lobster/scallop “sausages” especially gave me a ratatouille moment that almost made me drop my iPhone. Other dishes I enjoyed between two meals in order of deliciousness….

The Spongata, a superb honey and nut cake came with a satsuma sherbet that was so heavenly it could probably thrive on the dessert menu alone. Reginette, curly ribbony pasta was perfectly cooked and topped with a chunky veal, pork and beef, would most likely satisfy any Bolognese Ragu craving. A mild creamy Burrata with fava beans, peas, spring onions and a light minty sauce got a tremendous boost from the sensational prosciutto-like cured pork shoulder. The only dish I didnt quite know what to make of was a trio of Mortadella, prosciutto, and a thin head cheese slice sitting on top of a puffy fried dough on some fruity sweet sauce. Do I like it together? Separate? without the sauce? I found myself experimenting just like the chef was.

Every few months the menu changes to include dishes from a particular Italian region, although you could arrive in between regions as I did yesterday and still enjoy well crafted food. As is the case with most fine Italian in town, the strength in Lincoln is with the pasta. And long time Per Se and French laundry alumni Jonathan Benno is widely considered a pasta virtuoso. Lincoln Ristorante is of course part of the Lincoln Center complex. A 20 million design triumph includes floor to ceiling windows, 3 dining rooms, and a spectacular open kitchen. The service ranges from friendly to cold depending on the day of the week. And the open kitchen may also mean you could hear what they plan to do with you depending on where you sit…

Server just picked up first course from your table: “Number 37 is done with the first course”

Chef: “Lets give him a minute to gather himself and pick up his phone. Give him some more bread”

Lincoln Ristorante
142 W 65th St
$$$$
Recommended Dishes: Strozzapreti, Reginette, Burrata, Spongata

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best Italian in NYC, food, Lincoln Ristorante, Lincoln Ristorante NYC, NYC dining, restaurants, Travel | 1 Comment

Ma Peche – I Luh Ya PaPi

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Ziggy

I have to make this one short and sweet and to the point before the wife comes home (which means I will need to stop writing and ~~talk to her~~ do something around the house most likely). The point is that Ma Peche is quickly becoming one of my midtown faves, and in true Momofuku fashion keeps reinventing itself with new formats.

On what should really be a national holiday, Baseballs opening day, I took 3 of my least pickiest co-workers for a special lunch that’s becoming a Monday norm. One doesn’t do spicy, one doesn’t do mayo and seafood, and one doesn’t do anything that is yellowish. A perfect group for Ma Peche’s new “Passed Plates” sort of like Dim Sum cart ladies format. Except instead of dumplings and cart ladies you get razor clam ceviche, foie gras, and hipsters. You can see today’s potential passed items on a piece of paper on the table, and your waiter will put a check next to each item you order (can I come with an eraser in case I eat something I don’t like?). In addition to that you still have a handful of a la carte “Chef’s Specials” like the awesome fried chicken and the awesomer Brussels Sprouts.

For what amounted to $23 per person, you simply can not get better value in NYC. While the salad carts were circling, the Habanero Fried Chicken (half chicken $24) and Brussels Sprouts quickly arrived. The softer, saucier than the usual sprouts with ginger-scallion, cherry, and calabrian chili surpassed Alta as the city Brussels Sprouts to beat. Is there a restaurant in town that does not have a Brussels Sprouts dish, or kale?

The pork buns were the first items we picked from the passed plates and I was slightly disappointed by the overall size and taste compared to buns you get at Ippudo for the same price. I still gobbled the heck out of this one though. The spicy rice cakes then followed. Ok, let me tell you something about those rice cakes. Similar to Ssam Bar’s spicy sausage dish these pillowy “Korean Gnocchi” with just enough meat ragu and pleasant lingering heat were simply outstanding. I may be addicted to the Momofuku rice cakes.

Then we sort of waited for the chicken wings to pass by but they never did. The waiter asked if we would like anything else, we said “wings” and voila.. 5 minutes later we get 8 wings that tasted so much better than they looked (kinda burned). These wings were tender, perfectly seasoned, and really some of the best wings in recent memory.

Ma Peche
At the Chambers Hotel
15 w. 56th street
$$$
Reccommended Dishes: Fried Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, wings, rice cakes

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best restaurants in midtown, food, Ma Peche, Ma Peche NYC, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

Gotham West Market Top Eats

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Ziggy

March 13th, 2016 Update: While Gotham West is still very much part of the rotation (about twice a month) its becoming increasingly difficult to recommend individual eats there. Its constantly evolving, and the menus constantly change. Court Street Grocers is long gone, and in its place is Uma, Oprah, Uma (I couldnt resist) Temakeria from Chris Jaeckle of the great all’onda in the village. Uma specializes in sushi burritos, design your own Chirashis and Temakis sushi cones. Nothing outrageously delicious, but a refreshing healthy addition. Give it a try.

Rumor has it Akhtar Nawab is the next in line as the Most Interesting Man in The World (they retired the current dude). Nawab keeps getting featured as one of the sexiest chefs in America, and slowly taking over the market with Choza and Indie Fresh. My lunch partner Lou of Smum County eats only Choza when we are there, while Indie Fresh keep growing on me with their inventive soups, salads, and healthy sandwiches. Akhtar Nawab – When opportunity knocks and he’s not home, opportunity waits!

SeriousEats

While the great Whitefish Donburi is no more at Ivan Ramen (wasnt selling well – Idiots!), they replaced it with Breakfast Ramen (below) – cheesy dashi, egg, ham, ramen noodles and more – quite possibly the best eat at the market at the moment. Also, something happened to the great Genuine chicken sandwich. Not the same anymore judging from the darker, blander piece I got a few weeks ago, and a reader comment below. The burgers are still good. While at the Cannibal the most interesting thing I ate lately is a Butchers Salad – spinach, kale, salami. tomato, squash and light parm dressins

Ivan Ramen Breakfast Ramen

July 31st, 2015 Update: Little Chef is long gone and I miss it dearly. Choza (Mexican) took it’s place, and although my co-workers like it, I rather pay a visit to the many other Mexicans in the area like Tehuitzingo and the just reopened Parada 47 (former HK survival guide member Guelaguetza). The bigger addition to the market is Ample Hills, one of the cities premier ice cream maker. Their Salted Crack Caramel is the closest I will ever get to crack. Add it to the list of musts here. The chicken sandwich at Genuine is still crack like (I’m told), and the whitefish Doburi is now Salmon Donbui. Although I miss the whitefish smokiness, this is still the strongest dish at Ivan’s. Ivan also introduced an incredibly unique morning menu which I’m yet to try. Canibal menu continues to impress and its quickly becoming one of my Hell’s Kitchen faves. Try the wings

Original post:

6 Vendors and a Funeral

“In a world… where soups and salads reign lunch supreme.. and halal carts are routine… one man will rise… and change lunch!” “A story about love, betrayal, and Ramen” “The rise and fall of a food blogger, battling food addiction” (who finally saw his demise when a little food court consisting mostly of 6 food vendors opened on the far west side, right near the rehab clinic). In theaters near you.

What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been to Gotham West Market a lot, about once, sometimes twice a week since it opened about 4 months ago. I brought family, friends, enemies, co-workers and even my rabbi to the market. As I said before, Gotham West is the most thrilling thing to happen to Hell’s Kitchen since Ezra the Falafel Nazi cracked a smile 4 years ago.

But lets get down to business. There are actually more than 6 vendors at Gotham West. There’s also a kitchen supply store, a Coffee shop, and you guessed it, a bicycle shop. But for the purpose of this post I will focus on the 6 hand picked, artisanal vendors that can… well.. pretty much kill you.

Buttermilk Battered Chicken Sandwich at Genuine Roadside – One bite of this Chicken Sandwich and you’ll understand why its in this space. While its not gonna be on Man vs. Food any time soon for its size, this is a very satisfying sandwich, and combined with the Shake Shack-upgrade fries, very filling. The fried Chicken as everything else here, is made to order and the result is one heck of a juicy and flavorful sandwich. The mayo, slaw with apples – addition by addition. And while the tourists wait in line for the Shake Shack revelation, only to find out they need to fight another tourist for standing room eating, have a burger here that is just as good if not better, in a comfortable environment. Owner Avroko, the firm who designed Gotham West have done a great job with Genuine Roadside, the only original vendor in the market

Smoked Whitefish Donburi at Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop – Not exactly a shocker here after including the Donburi in the best of 2013 list. Ok, confession time, Out of 8 or so visits I believe I tried everything on the menu and more, except for one little thing… the Ramen. Thats more of a testament to the rest of the dishes here, and to a ramen filled neighborhood. The whitefish Donburi was love at first smell with its smokiness, sweet soy dashi, cucumber, scallion, over this delicious white rice. Perfection in a bowl. And a reminder that Jewish food can mesh with any cuisine. Well, except for Gefilte Fish.. FEH!

Not a fan of whitefish? Try the pork Donburi, or any of the Mazemens (slightly partial to the garlic), or well… the Ramen. Let me know how it is

Pig’s Head Cuban Sandwich at The Cannibal – This may very well be the Cuban to beat in NYC. Delicious super tender slow roasted funky pork, Vermont Ham, semi melted cheese and pickles, served warm with perfectly crispy bread. Not to be confused with another neighborhood fave, Casellula’s fine Pig’s Ass Sandwich. One tastes like head, while the other tastes like ass. And while you at it, try the “Shrimp Roll” as well at the Cannibal. Like the hotdog and lobster roll had a baby. A beautiful healthy, delicious baby, called Shmuel, after uncle Shmuel. Even though he was a big drunk, he would always send money

Egg Bowl at Little Chef – I’m writing this one with great difficulties after taking a glance at the pictures of this dish. My stomach is suddenly talking to me in Armenian. As with her popular Williamsburg sandwich shop Saltie, freshness is key with Caroline Fidanza. In the fall the egg bowl featured fresh greens, assorted roasted veggies like broccoli and potatoes and just about the tastiest bread crumbs you will ever have. The same breadcrumbs are featured in the winter version along with porky cranberry beans, salsa rojas (roasted red salsa). And its another proof that everything looks and tastes that much better with a fried egg

Bacon Wrapped Dates at El Colmado – Explosive come to mind. This is a common Spanish tapas dish that is often uneventful for us but not here. Its larger than usual and stuffed better with Almond and Valdeon cheese. A classic dish from the classic team of Seamus Mullen and Gil Avital of West Village hotspot Tertullia. Welcome to the neighborhood guys. The dates are pictures here on the right

Pork Shoulder at Court Street Grocers – Pork Shoulder, Mayo, Provolone, Broccoli Rabe, Red Peppers for much needed acidity, Pecorino Romano, on a Hero Roll. Need I say more? Simply Outstanding. And if you ever in the mood for an Italian, the Mortadella, Salami, Hot Coppa, Swiss, Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Arugula, Red Onion, Mayo, “CSG” Hoagie Spread, Red Wine Vinaigrette, on Hero Roll as good as Italian gets in NYC

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: El Colmado, food, Genuine Roadside, Gotham West Market, Gotham West Market NYC, Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop, Little Chef, restaurants, The Cannibal, Travel | 4 Comments

The Marshal – Farm to Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Ziggy

Courtesy of The Marshal

Adventurous diners, ready for some Pig’s Blood Flatbread with Smoked Salmon Roe? Perhaps a decadent Mugwort Foie Gras, or how about the good ol’ Geoduck? Well, you will find none of that at the Marshal in Hell’s Kitchen. Not even close. In fact chances are that you will have a hard time bragging about your meal to your girlfriends and making it sound remotely sexy. “OMG so we had this thing called Meatloaf that was like the most amazing thing ever. Here’s a selfie of me and the meatloaf” Meatloaf, Pot Roast, Salmon.. there’s no conceivable way to make them sound sexy these days. But this 6 month old 10th avenue “Farm to Table” comes as close as you can get

Courtesy of The Marshal

Adventurous Foie seekers should still be able to appreciate the flavors and attention to detail here. Although the menu reads like “American (Old)”, just about every item is listed almost like a paragraph describing the origin of the ingredients. The back of the menu features 14 local farms where they source much of those items. Almost like eating at Da Roberto in the village of Montisi, Tuscany. Almost! “Slow Food” models such as Roberto, and other Farm to Table places in Italy are simply called restaurants, or Trattorias. While in the US, its a concept. But it is what it is. And in ethnic happy Hell’s Kitchen, Solid “American” may seem like a concept in itself.

Rule of thumb – when you see bread on the menu in NYC as opposed to your typical free basket, get it. The warm French Loaf is crunchy and soft in all the right places and will make your taste buds believe it was baked seconds ago especially for you. Bread and butter bliss.

Chicken Liver Pate was solid. Refreshingly fresh Caprese included sizeable sweet tomatoes, with handmade mozzarella, fresh Shushan Valley basil and balsamic reduction. But the early highlight came in the form of the meaty, scrumptious Newfoundland Mussels. Its creamy, garlicky white sauce is so appetizing you want to dip anything in it…bread, fingers, metrocards, anything!

And then there was that meatloaf which was just like at grandmas. That’s after grandma graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute followed by a 2 year stint with the Canadian navy. Similarly, the goat cheese and herb stuffed chicken just doesn’t get much more tender and juicy than this. The wood oven Mac and Cheese with bacon hit the spot. On another visit I enjoyed a perfectly cooked and juicy burger which is only available for lunch.

The sides here require a PHD in sides. We opted for a fine bacon wrapped wedge of white cabbage, simple roasted potatoes, and a sweet potato and kale au gratin which took the gold. And don’t leave home without trying the mammoth hot fudge, walnuts, cherry, vanilla ice cream, or any of the other two desserts featuring ice cream from the nearby Je & Jo. Welcome to the hood Marshal.

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best food in Hell's kitchen, Farm to Table Hell's Kitchen, food, Hell's Kitchen NYC, restaurants, The Marshal, The Marshal NYC, Travel | Leave a comment

Midtown West

The places