Restaurant Week is my favorite time of the year, it is a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the most delicious food that New York City has to offer. Twice a year, (January/February and July/August), participating restaurants in New York City offer prix-fixe meals at $29 for lunch and $42 for dinner. Usually, once the list of restaurants that will take part in Restaurant Week is announced; I start booking.
Yesterday we had the great pleasure of enjoying a fantastic lunch at Boulud Sud. We have dined at other Boulud restaurants in NYC, but it was our first time at Sud. This is a Mediterranean inspired restaurant that features flavors from the shores of Southern France to the coast of North Africa and beyond.
The interior is very chic and modern, the floor to ceiling windows fill the space with plenty of light and help to create a comfortable and open space.
There is a special Restaurant Week menu but one can also order from the regular menu.
As we sat down a plate of breads and a small dish with delicious olive oil were placed on the table.
We veered off the Restaurant Week's menu for the appetizer and ordered the Mediterranean Meze which comprised of spicy Moroccan humus, herb falafel and babaganoush.
The other courses were all from the special menu designed for the Restaurant Week.
I am not a fan of the octopus but my husband really enjoyed this Octopus a la Plancha with Marcona almonds, arugula and Jerez vinegar.
My appetizer, Gambas Al Ajillo, ruby red shrimp, Spanish chili and focaccia, was excellent.
The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the oil, garlic, and bits of chili added just the perfect amount of spice and seasoning. The focaccia dipped in the shrimp sauce was sublime.
For the main course, my husband ordered the slow baked Atlantic Hake with Beluga lentils and saffron - mussel sauce. The fish was soft and perfectly seasoned and the sauce, in my opinion, was delicate and outstanding.
My dish was the crispy chicken sandwich with spicy cabbage slaw, Anaheim chili and a pickle. After the first bite I decided that this was the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. The batter on the chicken had just the right amount of seasoning; it had a bit of a kick but not so that I felt overwhelmed by it. The slaw, which seemed to be thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, had a great texture and the mustard grain dressing (I'm guessing) added a nice touch of spice. The bun was light and delicious. This was a winner of a sandwich, I can see myself becoming addicted to it.
My son ordered the hand rolled ricotta cavatelli with rapini pesto, hazelnuts, roasted mushrooms and Celine Labaune's black winter truffles. After taking his first bite, he closed his eyes and raised his index finger to stop the conversation. He needed to fully take in all the flavors, it was that good.
Normally, while out to lunch or dinner, we would order one or maybe two desserts to share, but since the price included a treat; we all indulged.
This was a warm pistachio "M'Hanncha"- caramelized phyllo, blood orange and rose gelato. It tasted like baklava, my husband loved it.
My son really liked the Assiette de Fromages, an assortment of cheeses which included a nice, nutty bread, raisins, apples and pecans.
I went with the chocolate tiramisu gateau, mascarpone mousse, espresso and pizzelle gelato.
The tiramisu was so light and delicate and I loved the little dollops of lemon cream.
The basement of the restaurant is also very interesting. It contains this creatively designed wine cellar, pretty restrooms, a nice sitting area, a couple of private dining rooms and even a passage to Bar Boulud.
This was a winner of a lunch and we are looking forward to coming back very soon.
Boulud Sud
20 west 64th street
New York, NY
The NYC Restaurant Week runs from 1/23 to 2/10.
Joanna
Comments
Post a Comment