When we scheduled this vacation, I knew I wanted to eat at one fancy pants restaurant. I did A LOT of research, I was determined to not be disappointed. My original choice was Esca, a southern Italian restaurant in Midtown, that is known for its seafood. I had eaten there before so I still kept my eyes open for something new and delicious. I stumbled on Blue Hill, a restaurant and upstate farm owned by two brothers. It is a quaint, unassuming farm to table restaurant where everything is seasonal and super fresh. This was the one I had been searching for, hopefully it would deliver.
Upon preparing to go to dinner it started to rain. Of course, whenever I decide to break out the nice clothes mother nature sabotages me. I was a little annoyed that my perfect evening was a bit damp but I just knew that the meal would make me feel better. Once we arrived my annoyance immediately washed away with the rain because I could tell I was getting ready for one of the best meals of my life.
We descended into the subterranean restaurant and arrived in this cozy dining room. The feeling was very warm though, not at all cramped or dark. I was so pleased to be in this cute little restaurant when the hostess approached and led us to our table in the "garden room." Wow, this spot just got better. Even more intimate than the main dining room, we could see the rain and greenery outside, it was so perfectly decorated. Even the flowers on the table were from their farm!
So I'll get on with the food, the real reason you are here anyway, right? I'll admit, I didn't know a lot of the words on the menu, the waiter was very helpful though and seemed to know the menu inside and out. We settled on appetizers of smoked sturgeon and basil, spinach, and green garlic ravioli. I have never had sturgeon, so I can't really compare it to another meal, but this one was served in a light, fresh sauce with red romaine lettuce, dandelion greens and pine nuts. It was one of the best ways I have had ever had fish. Our other starter was equally as tasty, but nothing like the sturgeon. A little heavier, the ravioli was in a creamy sauce with potatoes and bresaola. The portion was just right so as not to fill up before the main show.
For our main meals I chose the hake, a white, flaky fish comparable to cod. My boyfriend chose the Berkshire pig. We were told they use every part of the pig, and tonight's preparation would include braised belly and roasted leg.
When our dishes were presented we were directed to eat the hake in a certain way, it was designed to be eaten from the smaller side to larger that way the thicker end would still cook, pretty ingenious if you ask me. The hake was atop a medley of diced zucchini, pine nuts, mint bread and a rhubarb vinaigrette. The sweetness of the rhubarb definitely made this dish. There was a Mediterranean feel to this dish thanks to the mint and pinenuts. It was a very light meal with great flavors that complimented each other very well.
Moving on to swine. The Berkshire pig was awesome. It was definitely richer than the fish, but once again, the perfect portion size, so as not to overdo the experience. The leg was sliced and laid upon sugar snap peas, pistachios, and shiitake mushrooms and the belly was served with the crispy skin still on it. Between the two dishes, the fish was my favorite, but it was a close call.
When we go out to a nice restaurant we always get dessert. We usually get 2 because we can never agree on just one but tonight we were so incredibly pleased with this meal we didn't want to leave feeling like we had gone too far. We agreed on one tonight, the hazelnut parfait. I wasn't too sure what to expect but when it came out I knew we had chosen wisely. It was a chocolate rice krispy, but not the traditional sticky kind, served with a dollop of hazelnut ice cream on top. This was then drizzled in warm chocolate sauce. Warm and crispy and creamy, a great way to end this experience.
This restaurant seems to already have a great reputation, even the Obamas ate here, so I am sure my vote doesn't count for much, but I'll say it lives up to that reputation. It is unpretentious and inviting and the staff does a great job of making you feel at home. A great date spot or place to celebrate with friends. I think it is a definite must when you visit NYC!
Happy Dining!
Blue Hill
75 Washington Pl
New York, NY 10011-9174
(212) 539-1776
bluehillfarm.com
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