Minetta Tavern, NYC

We had dinner earlier this week with Brian & Molly - wonderful foodies who are putting a pretty good size dent in the Manhattan (and Brooklyn) dining scene by themselves. The choice was Minetta Tavern and I have to say, I was pretty excited by this one. A Michelin one star located at the intersection of Minetta Lane and McDougal Avenue in Greenwich Village, it is self described as "Parisian steakhouse meets NYC tavern".

Alan and I arrived about twenty minutes before our reservation and grabbed stools in bar area. It's a familiar decor with that bistro feel and lots of tables crowded into every nook and cranny. On this particular night, a Tuesday, by 6pm it was bustling with the after work crowd. By the time we left at 8pm it was hard to navigate through the throng of bodies to get out the door.

We started the evening off with cocktails to go with our appetizers and moved to a bottle of red (of which I didn't get the name) for our entrees. One of fun things about Brian & Molly is their total willingness to share food. As a table we ordered two appetizer and three entrees - one of which was meant for two.

I don't have pictures of the first course. Oxtail & Foie Gras Terrine with poached leeks off the regular menu and a Crudo of Hamachi with citrus and avocado from the specials menu. These were both really, really good. The hamachi was light and refreshing. We all only got a bite of it and I'd wished there was more - it was quite good. Complete opposite end of the spectrum was the terrine that was earthy and rich. Also excellent but being significantly fuller, I was happy we were all sharing.

For dinner we readily agreed to order the house specialty - the dry aged Cote de Boeuf for two with roasted marrow bones and sucrine lettuce salad.

This picture doesn't capture how mouthwatering this dish looked (or how large it was). Cooked to absolute perfection, the beef was so succulent and full of that satisfaction only red meat can achieve. We ate every single morsel from the plate and off every bone. The bone marrow too, scraped out of the inside and slathered over the beef was the epitome of decadent. What else can I say - GO HERE AND ORDER THIS DISH. You will not be disappointed, or hungry. We ordered two side dishes. One, these yummy, salty but ultimately forgettable fries and spinach that was a bit lackluster.

We ordered two other dishes; poulet fermier roti or roasted free range chicken with braised chard and pommes aligot. And a halibut from the specials menu with chanterelles.

The chicken was very good. I'm now a full-fledged convert. Chicken from a good bistro is worth ordering - it's often some of the best chicken you'll ever have. They can achieve a perfect crispness to the skin while maintaining real moistness in the meat...even the white meat. I also loved the potatoes pureed in this dish along with the chard.

The halibut on the other hand turned out to be the redheaded stepchild of the dinner. By itself, quite good. Eaten after either the beef or the chicken and you are reminded quickly that fish can't compete with red or white meat when it comes down to depth of flavor, richness or density that often results in a feeling of comfort. Poor halibut...you deserve better. I hope many a vegetarian order and love you.

The food was really, really good. I was happily impressed that the caliber started high and maintained that quality throughout the dinner. Also on the plus side were attentive and amusing wait staff that kept the pace enjoyable. On the negative side this establishment was loud. I mean, really loud. It was hard to hear the person across the table from you. Also, the tables are smooshed in there so you do get up close and personal with just about everyone else in the room. The tables are a bit on the small side. This posed a bit of a juggling act when the entrees arrived and were competing with the small amount of space already inhabited by water glasses, wine glasses, bread and bread dishes.

But let's be honest - when the food is good and the company fun, things like noise and space become non-issues. Great experience all around!

Michelin: One Star
Zagat: 23-21-20
Jenn's Rating: 88