The No Mad Hotel on Broadway and 25th Street houses The NoMad Restaurant. While researching restaurants before the trip, The NoMad appeared on just about every recommended list of where to dine in NYC. Two days before the trip it even appeared in a Chicago Tribune article as one of the 40 eateries to check out in New York.
The restaurant is owned by Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara who also own Eleven Madison Avenue which boasts a seventeen course extravaganza which I am told is not to be missed. Knowing that seventeen courses is just too much for me, we opted instead for The NoMad.
We intentionally arrived earlier than our reservation in order to have a cocktail in “the library”bar before dinner. With no room available in “the library” we tried the smaller standing bar area which also could not accommodate us. We then waited drink-less in the hotel lobby until our table was ready.
Our table was located in a small, dark alcove containing three other tables. The bench seats were deep and seemed too low for the table. The arrangement was uncomfortable and we requested a different table.
 |
| The NoMad atrium. Picture courtesy of The NoMad |
We were moved to the better lit atrium which was beautiful and provided comfortable chairs. After receiving water and a menu we waited close to seven minutes before we saw our server. We ordered a bottle of red wine. Upon tasting the chilled wine I mentioned to the sommelier that I wasn’t fond of chilled red wine. We then received a lengthy explanation of why the wine is chilled to 55 degrees whether you like it or not. And just for the record no other establishment we visited in New York chilled the red wine. I felt the wine education was pretentious at best.
After perusing the limited menu we ordered the whole-roasted chicken for two with fois gras, black truffle, and brioche. The whole chicken was presented at the table for our inspection then whisked away to be plated. Our plates contained one chicken breast and the dark meat mixed with some divine sauce which elevated the concoction to heights of culinary glee seldom experienced was served in a separate bowl. The chicken breast was down-right magnificent. I never thought I would use the word magnificent and chicken in the same sentence. But there it is.
 |
| The whole-roasted chicken for two. Picture courtesy of The NoMad |
The meal was sublime. Really. Our take on the restaurant is that if you are between 25 and 40 this may be your spot. It’s fast paced and a see and be seen place. If however you enjoy a bit slower pace where conversation is not challenged by the rock music and older patrons are not deposited in dark corners, then this may not be your place. The food however speaks for itself and almost makes a visit worthwhile.
No comments:
Post a Comment