The NoMad, NYC

In June Alan and I met up with a favorite foodie, Susan, for an early dinner in NYC. Located in The NoMad Hotel at Broadway & 28th Street, the restaurant is a quick walk down from midtown.

The restaurant is under the direction of Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park fame. It spans multiple rooms, each with a distinctive ambiance and decor. The atrium, parlor, bar, fireplace, library and rooftop.

We were seated far back in the fireplace room. Cozy and intimate, still feeling a bit informal and comfortable.

The menu is divided into snacks, appetizers and entrees. We ordered a series of appetizers to share and entrees. The appetizers included Fluke marinated with sorrel, amaranth & royal trumpet mushrooms; Tagliatelle with king crab, meyer lemon and black pepper; Foie Gras torchon with strawberry, rhubarb & black pepper; Egg poached with asparagus, brown butter and quinoa.

For our entrees we split the suckling pig confit with cherries, arugula & bacon marmalade; roasted duck and the whole-roasted chicken for two with foie gras, black truffle and brioche. 

They presented the chicken at the table and took it back to the chicken to be carved. It came out served with the dark meat mixed with truffle and the white meat with that gorgeous, crispy skin. Out of this world.

Overall, what a fantastic surprise. I didn't expect it to be that great - - good, yes. But this far exceeded expectations. I recommend going back. It's a fun vibe inside with a solid wine list. Good for groups or for an intimate experience.

Micheline: One star

Jenn's Rating: 93

Zagat: 26-27-25

Bar at the Modern, NYC

Patty, Alan and I met up after work for drinks and lite dinner at the bar at The Modern in mid-town. We've eaten there once before and remembered it fondly so going back was something to look forward to. We got seats at the bar and ordered a few different plates to share including slow poached farm egg "in a jar" with Maine lobster, mushrooms and sea urchin foam; foie gras terrine with muscat gelee and toasted brioche; spicy steak tartar with quail egg and beer braised pork belly.

I don't have pictures for this one but the food was again quite nice. The spicy tartar had a nice kick to it without being too much to handle. The farm poached egg was more soupy than I expected it to be but the flavor was nice. The winner that evening was the pork belly. You really can't go wrong with pork belly.

The bar at the Modern is a fun place - lots of people watching - big comfortable bar stools so you can settle in for a few drinks while you sample the menu. Recommend it to anyone looking for an upscale bar scene in midtown.

Jenn's Rating: 86
Zagat: 26-26-25