Dominique Ansel Kitchen, NYC

Dominique Ansel, of the cronut fame, has worked as a long term executive pastry chef at Daniel. That alone should speak to his talent level. He also seems like a genuinely decent person who puts great emphasis on charity.

I have been a customer at his bakery for a few years now but those cronut crowds in the morning and the cookie shot people in the afternoon, are making it difficult to enjoy a visit to this once quiet pastry shop. You will, thankfully, not find a cronut at the D. A. Kitchen. What you will find is a solid selection of savory foods and some spectacular desserts and baked goods.

This is a bakery/restaurant where more than 70% of the menu is finished in the open kitchen.

The decor is very sleek, modern and very creative.

The photos, well actually, negatives are displayed in vintage x- ray light boxes.

The menu is in these laminated pouches that hang on a rod like a shower curtain.

This was our lunch,

A fantastic croque monsieur with melted cheese on the inside AND outside,

and the wonderful edamame avocado toast with fresh ricotta and mint on a poppy seed brioche.

huge chunks of avocado.

The hazelnut Madeleines are always made to order. They are light and spectacular but I suggest to order them midway through or right after the meal. They are best when enjoyed while still warm. Heaven!

Visually stunning and delicious s'more

I took a few things home to enjoy after dinner.

Tuscan raspberry tart, fromage blanc mousse, black pepper dacquoise and micro basil

Strawberry Confit Lemongrass Panna Cotta

This was the Piece de Resistance!
West Village Chocolate Caramel Cake, a symphony of chocolate flavors with cake and pudding. It was one of the most memorable desserts I've enjoyed in a very long time.

You might get lucky and get to see Dominique Ansel working among the other team members in the kitchen.

Dominique Ansel Kitchen,
137 Seventh Avenue South
Monday - Sunday - 9am - 9pm

Joanna

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